When is Ramzan starting in U.S.? Check Eid al-Fitr date, history, significance of fasting, five Pillars of Islam

Islamic holy month of Ramzan is all set to start in the upcoming week. First day of Ramzan is likely to fall on February 18-19. Muslims the world over will soon be united in a ritual of daily fasting from dawn to sunset. Ramzan is followed by the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr which is likely to fall on March 19-20.

Ramzan 2026 Start Date, Fasting, Significance

Ramzan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar; the month cycles through the seasons. The start of the month traditionally depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. This year, the first day of Ramzan is expected to be on or around February 18 or 19.


The actual start date may vary among countries and Muslim communities due to declarations by multiple Islamic authorities around the globe on whether the crescent had been sighted or different methodologies used to determine the beginning of the month.

This year, the start of Ramzan is expected around the same time as Ash Wednesday, a solemn day of fasting and reflection that signals the start of Lent, the most penitential season of the church calendar for Catholics and many other Christians.

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, along with the profession of faith, prayer, almsgiving and pilgrimage. Muslims see various meanings and lessons in observing the fast.

It's regarded as an act of worship to attain piety and one of submission to God. The devout see benefits, including practicing self-restraint, cultivating gratitude and empathising with people who are poor and hungry.

The daily fast in Ramzan includes abstaining from all food and drink — not even a sip of water is allowed — from dawn to sunset, before breaking the fast in a meal known as “iftar” in Arabic.

Muslims typically stream into mosques for congregational prayers and dedicate more time to religious contemplation and the reading of the Quran, the Muslim holy book.

Charity is a hallmark of Ramzan. Among other ways of giving, many seek to provide iftar for those in need, distributing Ramzan boxes filled with pantry staples, handing out warm meals alongside such things as dates and juice or helping hold free communal meals.

Muslims eat a predawn meal, called “suhoor,” to hydrate and nurture their bodies ahead of the daily fast.

Exemptions from Fasting in Islam

There are certain exemptions, such as for those who are unable to because of illness or travel. Those unable to fast due to being temporarily ill or travelling need to make up for the missed days of fasting later.