Ramadan Mubarak: Campus communities prepare as the holy month begins Feb. 17–18, 2026 (ET)

Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community for Muslims worldwide, is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, or Wednesday, February 18, 2026, depending on the moon sighting (ET). As the holy month approaches, campuses and workplaces are sharing guidance and offering support to colleagues and students who will observe fasting and increased prayer commitments.

Start date and what observance involves

Muslims who observe Ramadan typically fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from food and drink during daylight hours and breaking their fast each evening with a meal known as iftar. Common greetings for the month include "Ramadan Mubarak" and "Ramadan Kareem, " both used to convey wishes of a blessed and generous month. Many observers use the period for intensified prayer, reflection, charity and spiritual renewal.

The precise start may vary by a day based on local moon sightings. Observers and campus communities should be prepared for either the evening of February 17, 2026 (ET) or February 18, 2026 (ET) as the commencement of fasting and communal activities related to the month.

Campus support, schedule adjustments and community expectations

Colleagues and students observing Ramadan may face additional challenges while balancing academic or professional responsibilities with fasting and nightly prayer. Institutions are encouraging understanding and flexibility: small schedule adjustments, permission for prayer breaks, and awareness in planning meetings and assessments can ease the pressure on those observing.

Staff messages shared ahead of the month emphasize respect and practical support. One lecturer reflected on Ramadan as a month-long "spiritual retreat" that is lived out across home, campus and local places of worship. She noted that the period fosters self-discipline, compassion and gratitude, and asked peers to be mindful of the extra demands fasting can place on concentration and energy.

Typical accommodations offered include adjusting meeting times away from early mornings or late evenings, allowing short prayer breaks, and being considerate when scheduling exams or important deadlines. Shared dining areas and on-campus services are often mindful of iftar times and may provide space for evening gatherings.

Practical tips for staff, students and managers

Those observing Ramadan, as well as their colleagues and managers, can take straightforward steps to ensure the month proceeds smoothly:

• Communicate in advance where possible about religious observance and any temporary adjustments to working or study patterns.
• Plan meetings with sensitivity to energy levels; mid-morning slots often work best for those fasting.
• Allow short breaks for prayer; a quiet room can make a significant difference.
• Be mindful of communal dining events scheduled during daylight hours and provide alternatives or opt-out options.
• Offer understanding around deadlines and consider reasonable extensions where fatigue may impact performance.

Many observers also use Ramadan as an opportunity to deepen community ties, whether by inviting colleagues to iftar or by taking part in charity and volunteering drives. Wishing others "Ramadan Mubarak" or "Ramadan Kareem" is widely appreciated as a gesture of goodwill and solidarity.

As the month arrives, people are encouraged to show patience and kindness, and to reach out to relevant campus support teams if they need adjustments to schedules or facilities. The shared aim across communities is to balance institutional responsibilities with respect for religious observance and wellbeing during this important time.