When will Ramzan 2026 start? Expected dates, historical background and religious significance

The Muslim holy month of Ramzan is expected to begin on or around February 18 or 19, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. The start date may vary among countries and Muslim communities based on declarations by Islamic authorities and differing methodologies used to determine the beginning of the month.

Ramzan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and lasts 29 or 30 days. Because the Islamic Hijri calendar is based on lunar cycles, Ramzan begins 10 to 12 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. The lunar year is approximately 11 days shorter than the solar year, which means Ramzan will be observed twice in 2030, first beginning on January 5 and then on December 26.

During Ramzan, Muslims observing the fast refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk, typically for 12 to 15 hours depending on their location.

History of Ramzan

Ramzan traces its origins to the 7th century, when the first verses of the Quran are believed to have been revealed to Prophet Muhammad in 610 CE. According to Islamic tradition, the revelations began during the month of Ramzan while he was meditating in the Cave of Hira near Mecca.

The observance of fasting during Ramzan was later made obligatory for Muslims, becoming one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Since then, Muslims around the world have marked the month through fasting, prayer and spiritual reflection, following practices rooted in early Islamic history.

Significance of Ramzan

Ramzan holds deep spiritual significance for Muslims as a month of devotion, self-discipline and renewal of faith. Fasting from dawn to dusk is seen as a means of developing “taqwa,” or heightened consciousness of God, while fostering empathy for those who face hunger and hardship.

Beyond abstaining from food and drink, the month encourages increased prayer, recitation of the Quran, charity and acts of kindness. Many Muslims aim to strengthen their relationship with God, seek forgiveness and cultivate better habits that continue beyond Ramzan.

The month concludes with Eid al-Fitr, a festival marking the end of fasting and celebrating spiritual growth and community bonds.

Fasting as one of the pillars of Islam

Fasting during Ramzan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, along with the profession of faith, prayer, almsgiving and pilgrimage. Muslims believe Ramzan marks the month when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad more than 1,400 years ago.

The daily fast involves abstaining from food, drink, smoking and sexual relations during daylight hours to attain greater consciousness of God. The fast is regarded as an act of worship aimed at cultivating self-restraint, gratitude and empathy for those who are poor and hungry.

Muslims begin the day with a predawn meal known as suhoor and break the fast at sunset with a meal called iftar. Many attend congregational prayers at mosques, devote additional time to reading the Quran and engage in charitable activities, including distributing meals and essential supplies to those in need.

Certain exemptions apply, including for those who are ill or travelling. Individuals who miss fasts due to temporary illness or travel are required to make up the missed days at a later time.

In India, fasting will begin at 5:37 am and end at 6:15 pm on the first day, lasting approximately 12 hours and 38 minutes, and will extend to about 13 hours and 26 minutes by the last day.

Cultural and social traditions during Ramzan

Ramzan is followed by the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr. Beyond its religious significance, the month is also marked by various cultural and social traditions that differ across regions.

In several countries, families and friends gather for iftar meals, and markets and bazaars see increased activity. In Egypt, decorative lanterns and traditional songs mark the arrival of the month, and a “mesaharati” may wake residents for suhoor by beating drums in neighbourhoods. In Indonesia, regional customs include communal meals, symbolic cleansing rituals and torchlight parades.

In countries such as the United States, Muslims often gather at mosques and Islamic centres for iftar and prayers, and some organise interfaith meals. In some regions, new television series and commercial activities have become associated with the month, prompting discussion about balancing festive customs with the spiritual essence of Ramzan.