Ramadan 2026

Ramadan is a holy month of fasting and prayer for Muslims, the followers of Islam. It celebrates the month during which the Prophet Muhammad received the initial revelation of the Quran, the holy book for Muslims, around the 7th century.

Fasting is one of the five fundamental principles of Islam. During each day of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk each day, and they are supposed to avoid eating, drinking, and smoking as well as unkind or impure thoughts and words and immoral behavior. It is a time to practice self-restraint and self-reflection. Fasting is seen as a way to cleanse the soul and have empathy for those in the world who are hungry and less fortunate. Some also read the entire Quran, say special prayers, and attend mosques more frequently during this time. All Muslims who have reached puberty and are in good health are required to fast. Muslims do break their daily fasts by sharing meals with family and friends.

Ramadan usually falls on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Ramadan began on the evening of Tuesday, February 17th, following the crescent moon sighting and that concludes at sundown on Wednesday, March 18th. The end of Ramadan is celebrated with a 3-day festival known as Eid al-Fitr, one of their major holidays. The Quran states, "The month of Ramadan is when the Quran was revealed, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights the month, let him fast. Ultimately, Ramadan is celebrated as the month during which Muhammad received the initial revelations of what became known as the Quran, the holy book for Muslims, from God.

Image courtesy of Faris Algosaibi.