Ramadan 2026: the complete guide.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic (Hijri) lunar calendar, and the month in which the Quran was revealed (Quran 2:185). Fasting from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib) for the entire month is the fourth pillar of Islam, obligated on every adult Muslim. This guide covers everything you need to know about Ramadan 2026: when it starts, the fasting rules, what breaks the fast, Tarawih and Lailatul Qadar, Zakat al-Fitr, and Eid.

When is Ramadan 2026?

Ramadan 1447 AH is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with the first fast on Wednesday, February 18. It ends 29 or 30 days later, with Eid al-Fitr expected on Thursday, March 19 or Friday, March 20, 2026.

Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the exact start depends on the sighting of the crescent moon (hilal):

Why we fast: the obligation in the Quran

"O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.", Quran 2:183

Fasting in Ramadan is the fourth pillar of Islam, established by the Quran in surah Al-Baqarah, ayat 183-187. The aim, as stated in the verse, is taqwa, God-consciousness and self-restraint. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his previous sins are forgiven." (Sahih al-Bukhari 38; Sahih Muslim 760)

Who must fast

Fasting is obligatory on every Muslim who is:

• Of legal age (baligh), usually puberty.
• Sane, those with significant mental incapacity are exempt.
• Healthy, the sick are exempt and make up missed days later.
• Resident, travelers may break the fast and make it up.
• Not menstruating or in postpartum bleeding, these days are made up, not waived.

Children below puberty are encouraged to fast for partial days from around age 7 to build the habit, but it is not obligatory on them.

The rules of fasting

From dawn (the start of Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib):

• No eating.
• No drinking, including water.
• No sexual relations.
• No deliberate vomiting.
• No smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco.

The fast must be accompanied by niyyat (intention), for each day, ideally made before Fajr. The intention lives in the heart; no verbal formula is required, but consciousness of "I intend to fast tomorrow for Ramadan" is needed.

Suhoor: the pre-dawn meal

Eating before Fajr (suhoor) is strongly sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Eat suhoor, for in it is blessing." (Bukhari 1923; Muslim 1095) Even a sip of water counts as suhoor.

Iftar: breaking the fast at sunset

Break the fast immediately at Maghrib. The Prophet ﷺ broke his fast with fresh dates, or dry dates if not available, or water. Recite the iftar du'a:

Allahumma laka sumtu wa 'ala rizqika aftartu. ("O Allah, for You I have fasted and on Your provision I have broken my fast.", Abu Dawud 2358)

What breaks the fast (and what doesn't)

Breaks the fast:

• Intentional eating or drinking.
• Sexual intercourse (and ejaculation from foreplay, per most schools).
• Deliberate vomiting.
• Menstrual or postpartum bleeding starting.
• Apostasy (leaving Islam).
• Intentionally inhaling smoke or thick vapor.

Does NOT break the fast:

• Forgetting and eating/drinking (continue the fast immediately upon remembering, Bukhari 1933).
• Involuntary vomiting.
• Swallowing saliva.
• Brushing teeth (avoid swallowing toothpaste).
• Bathing, swimming, getting wet.
• Wet dreams.
• Blood tests, injections for treatment (not nutrition).
• Smelling perfume or food.
• Kissing (without ejaculation, for those who can control themselves).
• Tasting food briefly without swallowing (e.g., a cook).

Tarawih: the night prayer of Ramadan

Tarawih is a voluntary congregational prayer performed nightly during Ramadan after Isha. The name comes from tarweeha, resting, because of pauses after every 4 rakat.

The Prophet ﷺ prayed it 8 rakat in congregation but generally prayed at home. Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) re-instituted congregational Tarawih during his caliphate. Both 8 and 20 rakat are valid practices:

• 8 rakat, common in Saudi Arabia and among those who follow the Prophet ﷺ's exact number in hadith. Followed by 3 witr.
• 20 rakat, common in Hanafi, Shafi'i, and Maliki traditions, based on the practice of Umar (RA) and later. Followed by 3 witr.

Both are valid and rewarded. See our night prayer guide for the prayer structure.

Lailatul Qadar (the Night of Power)

"Indeed, We sent it [the Quran] down during the Night of Power. And what can make you know what is the Night of Power? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.", Surah Al-Qadr 97:1-3

Lailatul Qadar falls in the last 10 nights of Ramadan, with strongest emphasis on the odd nights, the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th. The 27th night is the most commonly observed. The Prophet ﷺ used to perform i'tikaf (seclusion in the masjid) during the last 10 nights specifically to seek it.

Worship performed on Lailatul Qadar, prayer, du'a, Quran recitation, dhikr, is rewarded as if performed for over 83 years (1,000 months, per ayat 3).

Recommended du'a on Lailatul Qadar (taught by the Prophet ﷺ to Aisha RA):

Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul-'afwa fa'fu 'anni. ("O Allah, You are pardoning and love to pardon, so pardon me.", Tirmidhi 3513)

Zakat al-Fitr

Zakat al-Fitr (also called sadaqat al-fitr) is an obligatory charity paid by every Muslim, including children, before Eid prayer. It purifies the fast from minor errors and feeds the poor on Eid.

• Amount: approximately 2.5 to 3 kg of staple food (rice, wheat, dates, barley) per person.
• Cash equivalent: Most countries set an annual cash value, typically $7–15 USD per person.
• Timing: any time during Ramadan, but must reach the recipient before Eid prayer.
• Recipients: the poor and needy in your local community.

Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr ("Festival of Breaking the Fast") marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal. In 2026, expected to fall on Thursday, March 19 or Friday, March 20.

Sunnah acts of Eid morning:

• Eat an odd number of dates before going to Eid prayer.
• Wear best clothes, perfume (for men).
• Take ghusl (full bath).
• Recite takbir from leaving home until the prayer begins.
• Take a different route to and from the prayer ground.

See our prayer guides for the Eid prayer structure.

FAQ

When does Ramadan 2026 start exactly?

Expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with the first fast on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Exact start depends on local moon sighting.

Can I take medicine during fasting?

Oral medications during fasting hours break the fast. Injections (IM/IV) for treatment do not break the fast in the majority view. If medication is essential and cannot be taken outside fasting hours, you can break the fast and make up the day later.

What if I forget and eat?

Continue the fast, it remains valid. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever forgets while fasting and eats or drinks, let him complete his fast, for it was Allah who fed him." (Bukhari 1933; Muslim 1155)

How many rakat is Tarawih?

Most commonly 8 rakat (Saudi/some Sunni) or 20 rakat (most Hanafi/Shafi'i/Maliki mosques), followed by 3 rakat of witr. Both are valid.

When is Lailatul Qadar?

Within the last 10 nights of Ramadan, with strongest indication on the odd nights, 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th. The 27th night is most commonly observed.

How much is Zakat al-Fitr in 2026?

Typically $7–15 USD per person, depending on country. Verify your local Islamic council's announcement before paying.