Ramadan 2026
religiousSunday, February 7, 2027
147 days from today · next occurrence
About Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. Because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, the month begins on a different date each year, moving earlier through the solar calendar over time. From dawn until sunset, fasting adults abstain from food, drink, and smoking, breaking their fast each evening with iftar, a meal often shared with family and opened with dates and water. Days are filled with extra prayers, recitation of the Quran, and acts of charity, while nights bring tarawih prayers at mosques. Business hours shift in many Muslim-majority countries, and streets fill after sunset. Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr, a joyful festival of feasting, gifts, and gratitude. The spiritual month also welcomes non-Muslims interested in learning.
When is Ramadan?
| Year | Date | Weekday |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | February 17, 2026 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | February 7, 2027 | Sunday |
| 2028 | January 27, 2028 | Thursday |
| 2029 | January 16, 2029 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | January 6, 2030 | Sunday |
History of Ramadan
Ramadan commemorates the month in which Muslims believe the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, and fasting during it is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The practice of dawn-to-dusk fasting was established in the early years of Islam in seventh-century Arabia, drawing on the pre-existing lunar calendar of the region. For centuries the month's start has been determined by moon sighting, which is why dates can differ slightly between countries and communities. Symbols of the crescent moon, lanterns, and special foods such as dates and qatayef became part of the cultural fabric of the month across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia. In modern times, global media, mosque announcements, and astronomical calculations help synchronize observance, yet the month's essence of fasting, generosity, and spiritual renewal remains unchanged.
How to Celebrate Ramadan
- Fast from dawn to sunset if you are able, beginning and ending each day's fast with a simple meal.
- Join family or community iftar dinners, often opened with dates and water.
- Give extra charity during the month, especially to neighbors and those in need.
- Attend tarawih prayers at a local mosque or follow along at home.
- Read or listen to the Quran gradually across the month, a section each day.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Ramadan?
- The start of Ramadan is based on the religious calendar, so the date changes each year, moving roughly eleven days earlier in the solar calendar. The expected start dates for the coming years are listed in the table on this page.
- Is Ramadan a public holiday?
- Ramadan itself is a holy month rather than a single holiday, but many Muslim-majority countries reduce working hours during it, and Eid al-Fitr at the end of the month is a public holiday.
- How do Muslims observe Ramadan?
- They fast from dawn to sunset, pray additional nightly prayers, read the Quran, give charity, and gather with family for iftar meals after sunset.
- Can non-Muslims eat during Ramadan?
- Yes. Non-Muslims are not required to fast, though in some countries eating or drinking in public during daylight hours is discouraged or restricted by local custom or law.