π Ramadan 2026: A Symbol of Hope, Faith, and Renewal
As Muslims around the world prepare their hearts and homes for the blessed month of Ramadan, anticipation grows for a time of deep reflection, spiritual renewal, and community unity. Because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, the exact dates of Ramadan change each year and depend on the sighting of the new crescent moon (hilal).
π Expected Start of Ramadan 2026
In 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Wednesday, 18 February 2026, with the first day of fasting likely on Thursday, 19 February 2026. However, this start may vary slightly β by a day earlier or later β depending on the moon sighting in your local region.
Each evening, after sunset, Muslims break their fast (iftar) and begin a time of family gatherings, community prayers (including Taraweeh), and nightly reflection. The fast itself begins before dawn (known as suhoor) and ends at sunset each day.
π Ramadan 2026 Duration
The month of Ramadan usually lasts 29 or 30 days depending on the sighting of the crescent moon at the end of the month. For 2026, Ramadan is expected to run until around 18 or 19 March 2026.
π Laylat al-Qadr β The Night of Power
One of the most spiritually significant nights of the year during Ramadan is Laylat al-Qadr, also called the Night of Power (or Night of Decree). This is the night when the Holy Qurβan was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) β a moment marked by deep reverence and increased devotion in worship, prayer, and supplication.
π When Is Laylat al-Qadr in 2026?
Islamic tradition teaches that Laylat al-Qadr occurs within the last 10 nights of Ramadan, especially on the odd-numbered nights β such as the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th nights. Many communities focus on the 27th night of Ramadan as the most likely, though the exact night is known only to Allah.
Based on projected lunar calendars:
The 27th night of Ramadan in 2026 is expected to fall on the evening of 16 March 2026 (continuing until dawn on 17 March), though Laylat al-Qadr could occur on any of the odd nights in that last ten-night period.
During this sacred night, worship β including extra prayers, Qurβan recitation, and heartfelt duΚΏΔβ β is believed to carry rewards βbetter than a thousand monthsβ (Qurβan 97:3). Muslims strive to maximize their devotion throughout the final days of Ramadan in the hope of encountering this blessed night.
π Eid al-Fitr 2026: Celebration and Renewal
After a month of fasting and spiritual growth, Ramadan concludes with one of the happiest celebrations in the Islamic calendar: Eid al-Fitr β the Festival of Breaking the Fast.
π Expected Eid Dates
In 2026, Eid al-Fitr is expected to begin on the evening of Thursday, 19 March 2026, with celebrations continuing into Friday, 20 March 2026. Just like the start of Ramadan, the exact date depends on the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon.
Eid al-Fitr is a time for:
Special Eid prayers
Family and community gatherings
Sharing festive meals, gifts, and joy
Giving Zakat al-Fitr β a charity given to ensure everyone can partake in the celebration
π€² Final Thoughts
As Ramadan approaches, itβs a beautiful opportunity to prepare not just in logistics β like prayer times and fasting schedules β but in heart, intention, and spirit. Whether you observe fasting, join in community prayers, send messages of peace and goodwill, or simply take time for reflection, Ramadan and the nights leading up to Laylat al-Qadr remind us of mercy, gratitude, and hope.
May this Ramadan fill your life with peace, blessings, and renewed purpose.
π Ramadan Mubarak in advance β may your fasts be accepted and your nights filled with serenity and light.