What are the Dates for Ramadan 2026?

The Expected Dates for Ramadan 2026

Based on astronomical projections, Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with the first day of fasting set for Wednesday, February 18, 2026. It will end on the evening of Thursday, March 19, 2026, after 29 or 30 days, depending on the moon’s visibility. Thus, the end of Ramadan 2026 will mark the start of Eid al-Fitr celebrations on Friday, March 20, 2026. These dates for Ramadan in 2026 are estimated and subject to official confirmation by religious authorities. For a clear overview, here is a summary table of the key dates for Ramadan 2026:

The Islamic Calendar and Determining the Dates

The Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which is lunar and based on the moon’s cycles. Unlike the solar Gregorian calendar, the dates for Ramadan shift each year, advancing by about 10 to 11 days. The precise dates for the start and end of Ramadan depend on the sighting of the new moon, an ancient practice known as “ru’yat al-hilal.” In many Muslim countries, including Morocco, religious authorities such as the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs officially announce these dates after confirmation by observation committees. This can lead to slight variations by region, but astronomical calculations allow us to anticipate the dates for Ramadan 2026 with good accuracy.

Variations in Dates by Country and Focus on Morocco

Although Ramadan 2026 is observed worldwide, the exact dates for Ramadan can differ from one country to another due to moon-sighting methods. For instance, some countries like Saudi Arabia use advanced astronomical calculations, while others, including Morocco, prioritize local visual observation. In Morocco, the start of Ramadan 2026 will be announced by the government, and it is common for the dates to align with those in neighboring countries like Algeria or Tunisia. If you are wondering when does Ramadan start in 2026 in other regions, note that one-day discrepancies can occur, for example in Europe or the United States, where Muslim communities often follow announcements from their countries of origin. To learn more about the main religious holidays in Islam, check out our dedicated article : What are the main religious holidays in Islam?

Traditions and Practices During Ramadan

During Ramadan 2026, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from eating, drinking, and certain other activities. This month is dedicated to prayer, Quran reading, and charity (zakat al-fitr). In Morocco, Ramadan traditions include nighttime meals called “ftour” or “iftar,” often featuring harira, chebakia, and dates, as well as late-night gatherings with chants and family reunions. The Night of Power, or Laylat al-Qadr, expected around March 16, 2026, is considered more valuable than a thousand months and is marked by intense prayers. These customs strengthen community and spiritual bonds, making Ramadan 2026 an ideal time to deepen your understanding of Islamic culture.

The End of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr

At the end of Ramadan 2026, the fasting culminates in Eid al-Fitr, a joyful holiday featuring collective prayers, exchanges of wishes, and festive meals. In Morocco, this celebration includes family visits and donations to those in need. If you want to know how to wish a happy Eid in Moroccan Arabic, discover authentic Darija expressions in our guide: How to wish a happy Eid in Moroccan arabic ? For more resources on Islam, especially for new converts, visit our trusted partner: https://convertcommunity.com/en/