ramadan mubarak: Saudi Arabia confirms start of Ramadan 2026
Moon spotters in Saudi Arabia verified the new crescent on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 (ET), setting the start of the holy month at sundown that evening. The confirmation means the first full day of fasting will be Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 (ET), as Muslims around the globe prepare for a month of prayer, reflection and community.
How the start of Ramadan is determined
The beginning of Ramadan follows the lunar Hijri calendar and depends on sighting the waxing crescent moon, the thin sliver that marks the start of each Islamic month. While astronomers can predict when the crescent will be visible, many communities wait for trained moon spotters to confirm an actual sighting before declaring the first night of the month.
Because the Islamic year is roughly 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year, Ramadan moves earlier each year. That shifting schedule means observance times change seasonally and regionally: in the Northern Hemisphere this year, fasting hours will be shorter on average than in many Southern Hemisphere locations.
What to expect during Ramadan 2026
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and commemorates the revelation of the Quran. Observant Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual relations from dawn until sunset. A pre-dawn meal called suhoor is eaten before the fast begins each day, and the fast is broken at sunset with iftar.
Fasting hours vary by location. On the first day this year, many places will see fasts lasting roughly 12 to 13 hours, while regions farther south may experience longer days of fasting. Beyond abstinence from food and drink, the month emphasizes spiritual practices: additional prayers at night, increased Quran recitation, charity, self-discipline and community gatherings.
Certain groups are exempt from fasting but still participate in other aspects of the month. Exemptions typically include children who have not reached puberty, people who are ill, travelers, pregnant and nursing mothers, and elderly people for whom fasting poses a health risk. Those who miss fasts for temporary reasons are generally expected to make them up later; individuals permanently unable to fast may give a charitable donation to provide meals for others in place of missed fasts.
Eid al-Fitr and key dates
The month of fasting lasts 29 or 30 days, depending again on moon sightings. With the crescent confirmed for Feb. 17, 2026 (ET), the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal — the month marked by Eid al-Fitr — is likely to fall on the night of March 18, 2026 (ET). Exact timing will hinge on the next sighting of the new moon.
Eid al-Fitr is a one-day festival that begins with a communal prayer in the morning, followed by greetings, family meals, new clothing and an emphasis on charitable giving. Common greetings exchanged during Ramadan and at Eid include phrases that wish others a blessed or generous month; many people wish friends and family "ramadan mubarak" during the month and "Eid Mubarak" at the festival.
As Ramadan approaches, communities worldwide are organizing iftar gatherings, volunteer food distribution and special prayer schedules at local mosques and community centers. Observers and neighbors who are unfamiliar with the practices often find Ramadan an opportunity to learn, participate in communal meals and support charitable efforts that increase during the month.
With the start date set, Muslim communities and friends preparing to welcome them can plan for events, volunteer efforts and educational programming that mark the season.
