March 11, 2026, 11:11 a.m. PT
Ramadan, a monthlong period of introspection for Muslims that involves fasting, communal prayer and reading the Quran, has been going on since mid-February. According to Islam, those who observe the holy month of Ramadan with faithful intention are forgiven by God for their past sins.
In a little more than a week, the Muslim holy month is expected to come to a close with Eid al-Fitr, or “the festival of breaking the fast.” Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with special prayers, foods, sweets and presents.
Here’s what else you need to know about how Ramadan is observed, where to find places to observe the Muslim holy month in Reno, and when Ramadan is expected to end.
What is Ramadan? Why do people celebrate Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and the holy month of fasting. According to Islamic tradition, it was during Ramadan on the “Night of Power,” or “Laylat al-Qadr,” that God revealed the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. The “Night of Power” is commemorated on one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan, often the 27th night.
When is Ramadan?
This year, Ramadan began on the evening of Feb. 17, 2026.
How does Ramadan end?
The day after Ramadan ends marks one of the major holidays in the Islamic calendar: Eid al-Fitr, or the Festival of Breaking the Fast.
The holiday is celebrated with special prayers, sweets, presents for children and community gatherings.
When is Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr 2026 is expected to fall on the night of March 19 or March 20, depending on when spotters see the waxing crescent moon, according to Islamic Relief.
Is Ramadan the same time every year?
No. Similar to other Abrahamic religions (Judaism and Christianity), Islamic holidays are based on the lunar calendar, not the Gregorian calendar that most people observe today.
Ramadan begins with the sighting of the crescent moon, which this year is expected on Feb. 17.
What are the rules for Ramadan?
Adherents to the Islamic faith who have reached puberty and are physically capable fast from sunrise to sunset every day during Ramadan. The fast includes abstaining from food, drink (including water) and sex.
Muslims are also to avoid negative actions during the month, including gossiping, backbiting, lying or arguing, according to the Islamic Network Group.
Fasting may also be accompanied by a more serious study of the Quran throughout the month.
“The idea is to cultivate awareness of God. Taqwa in Arabic,” Imam Ebad Rahman, religious life associate for Muslim life at Columbia University, previously told USA TODAY.
How do I wish my Muslim friend a happy Ramadan?
If you are not Muslim but want to wish Muslim friends or colleagues well during the month, there are a few phrases you can use. One familiar greeting is “Ramadan Mubarak,” which means “Blessed Ramadan.” You can also tell them “Ramadan Kareem,” which means “Generous Ramadan.”
Remember your Muslim friends are fasting, so it may not be polite to plan a large work lunch or midday lunch during the next few weeks. However, it is still thoughtful to include your Muslim friends in coffee or food-related breaks; just remember they cannot eat or drink until sundown.
Also remember your Muslim friend may have a different schedule than they normally do. They may need to leave a function or work early. Though there are different views on this, some Muslims believe they need to physically see the moon for Ramadan to begin.
If I am not Muslim, can I join my Muslim friend for dinner to break the fast?
Muslims may hold Iftars, or dinners to break the fast nightly during Ramadan that are open to the wider community. Families and friends may also hold Iftars at home. Mosques may also hold open houses and food drives during the holy month.
If you are invited to Iftar but are not Muslim, you can still partake because Ramadan is also a time of community and giving. In fact, it is considered kind to accept your Muslim friend’s gesture of generosity and bring a dish of your own to share.
Who is exempt from fasting during Ramadan?
Those who are sick, women who are pregnant or nursing and those traveling are exempt.
Children who have not reached puberty are not required to fast for the entire month, though some may participate in symbolic fasting, according to the Islamic Network Group.
Where are the Islamic places of worship, or mosques, in Reno?
Here are some places you can celebrate Ramadan this year:
- The Northern Nevada Muslim Community Center is located at 1857 Oddie Blvd. in Sparks. They are open 24 hours and have daily prayer times.
Mariyam Muhammad with the Columbus Dispatch contributed to this report.