Ramadan 2026 confirmed: What suhoor time means as the month begins
Moon spotters in Saudi Arabia verified the new crescent on Tuesday night, February 17, 2026 (ET), establishing the start of Ramadan at sundown that evening and the first full day of fasting on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (ET). Nearly 2 billion Muslims worldwide will observe the ninth month of the Islamic calendar with fasting from dawn to sunset, communal prayers and other religious observances.
How the start date was set and what it means locally
The beginning of Ramadan is confirmed when the waxing crescent moon is sighted. With the crescent validated on the night of February 17, the month opens at sundown, and the first daylight fast follows on February 18, 2026 (ET). Local calendars can differ: some communities may begin on February 19 where their own moon sightings or established calendars dictate, so many communities will share final timetables in the coming days.
Because the Islamic Hijri calendar is lunar, Ramadan shifts earlier by about 10 to 12 days each Gregorian year. That movement affects fasting hours from year to year; in 2026 most of the Northern Hemisphere will experience shorter daylight fasts on the opening day, while locations south of the equator will face longer fasts.
Suhoor time and daily fasting hours — what worshippers need to know
Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal eaten before the day’s fast begins. The moment suhoor ends is defined by the start of dawn (Fajr), after which eating and drinking must stop. The fast then continues until sunset, at which point the fast is broken with iftar.
Worldwide fasting durations on the first day will typically range from roughly 11. 5 to 15. 5 hours, depending on latitude and local sunrise/sunset times. For most people in the Northern Hemisphere the opening-day fast will last about 12 to 13 hours, with daily durations gradually changing as the month progresses. In southern latitudes the initial fasts may run closer to 14 to 15 hours. Exact suhoor and iftar moments are determined by local prayer timetables, so worshippers should consult their mosque’s posted schedule or community calendars for precise Fajr and Maghrib times in their city.
Practical tips for suhoor: eat hydrating foods, prioritize slow-release carbohydrates and protein to sustain energy through the day, and set alarms keyed to local Fajr time so the pre-dawn meal is completed before the call to prayer. Those observing long workdays or travel should plan suhoor around official local dawn times to avoid unintentionally breaking the fast.
Rituals, exemptions and the expected Eid date
Ramadan is more than abstaining from food and drink during daylight. Many use the month for intensified prayer, Quran recitation, acts of charity and communal worship. Special nightly prayers called Taraweeh are commonly performed after the evening prayer, and families often gather for iftar meals.
There are widely recognized exemptions from fasting: children, the elderly, pregnant or breastfeeding people, the ill, people with chronic medical conditions, and travelers. Those who cannot fast temporarily are encouraged to observe other religious practices during the month and to make up missed fasts later when able. People permanently unable to fast may provide a fidya donation to feed someone in their place.
Ramadan typically lasts 29 or 30 days. The celebration that marks its end, Eid al-Fitr, is expected to begin on the night of March 18, 2026 (ET), pending moon sighting. On the morning of Eid, communities gather for special prayers and greetings; many observant households prepare festive meals, exchange well-wishes and give charitable donations.
As the month begins, local mosques and community organizations will publish exact suhoor and iftar times and other event schedules. Observant Muslims and those wishing to participate are encouraged to check those local timetables for the most accurate daily guidance.
