Updated Feb. 17, 2026, 1:08 p.m. ET
- Ramadan for 2026 will begin at sundown on February 17, as confirmed by moon spotters in Saudi Arabia.
- The official start of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the waning crescent moon, causing the date to shift annually.
- During the holy month, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, practice self-discipline, and engage in prayer and charity.
- The end of Ramadan is marked by the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which is expected to begin on the night of March 18, 2026.
UPDATE: Moon spotters in Saudi Arabia have verified that the crescent moon was spotted on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, meaning Ramadan will begin at sundown, according to a social media post on X.
Ramadan is about to begin, and nearly 2 billion Muslims worldwide, including the roughly 1% of Ohioans who are Muslim, will celebrate Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.
The start of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the waxing crescent moon, and the exact date has finally been determined. Here’s what to know about the holy month of Ramadan.
When is Ramadan 2026? Has Saudi Arabia confirmed Ramadan 2026?
Saudi Arabian observatories have confirmed that the holy month of Ramadan begins the night of February 17, 2026, after the sighting of the crescent moon.
Why does Saudi Arabia have to confirm the start of Ramadan?
Though Ramadan has a predetermined date, confirmation of the holy month requires actual sighting of the waxing crescent moon, the thin slice of moon that marks the start of every Islamic month.
Why doesn’t Ramadan have the same date every year?
Ramadan is not on the same date every year. The religion follows the Islamic Hijri calendar, which is on a lunar cycle of 12 months, each consisting of 29 or 30 days. Each year, the start and end of Ramadan and the dates of both Eid holidays fall about 11 days earlier than the previous year on the Gregorian calendar.
Many Muslim communities around the world rely on Saudi Arabia and their trained moon spotters to confirm the date of the first day of Ramadan, according to Middle East Eye.
What is the importance of Ramadan for Muslims?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the angel Jibril (Gabriel) revealing the holy Quran to the Prophet Muhammad.
Are Muslims the only people allowed to celebrate Ramadan?
Muslims worldwide celebrate Ramadan, and the observance is not limited to just Muslims. Non-Muslims are also welcome to participate in Ramadan activities.
What happens during Ramadan? Here’s what a typical day is like for Muslims during Ramadan
During Ramadan, a typical day begins with Muslims waking before dawn to eat a meal called suhoor. Once day breaks, fasting begins. Then, right at sunset, the fast ends with a meal called iftar.
Muslims do more than fast during the day. They also abstain from water while practicing self-control and using the month of Ramadan to accumulate blessings and spiritual discipline. Muslims are also encouraged to read the Quran, practice gratitude and compassion, avoid wrongdoings and temptations, and give to those in need.
Friends and families will say “Ramadan Mubarak” to each other, which means “blessed Ramadan,” and often gather for iftar to cook and eat food and worship together. After the five obligatory daily prayers, an optional prayer called Taraweeh (Tarawih) is performed at night.
Who has to fast during Ramadan? Rules and exemptions for Muslims
Although Muslims are obligated to fast during Ramadan, they must be healthy individuals of age. Exemptions include:
- The elderly
- Those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or menstruating
- Children who haven’t reached puberty
- People with illnesses
Those exempt from fasting still participate in other aspects of Ramadan, and they can make up their fasts after the holy month. However, those who are unable to make up their fasts due to illness must give fidya, a donation that provides a meal to feed someone in place of each missed fast.
When is Eid al-Fitr 2026? What is Eid al-Fitr? It marks the end of Ramadan
The celebration marking the end of Ramadan is Eid al-Fitr (or Eid ul-Fitr). It lasts one day and is likely to begin on the night of March 18, 2026, per Islamic Relief.
On the morning of Eid al-Fitr, Muslims will gather at mosques worldwide for a community-wide prayer and to greet other Muslims by saying ‘Eid Mubarak’, which means ‘Blessed Eid’ in Arabic. Traditions include celebrating with friends and family, wearing brand-new clothing, eating delicious food, and giving sadaqah (a voluntary charitable contribution).