Are you excited about Ramzan and waiting for its arrival? Ramzan in 2026 (1447 AH) is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with the first day of fasting on February 18. This is a tentative date, and the decision will be made following the moon sighting.
What is Ramazan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the holiest month in which Muslims observe fast by the command of Allah. During Ramadan, adult Muslims fast from dawn (suhoor) until sunset (iftar).
They abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs. It builds self-discipline, draws closer to Allah, and develops compassion for the less fortunate. Ramzan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr.
How long is Ramadan 2026
Ramazan lasts for 29 or 30 days each year. The days of Ramadan in 2026 depend on the sighting of the moon of Shawwal. If Ramazan begins on 17 February, it will end on 19 or 20 March, depending on the days of the month of Ramazan.
The official duration is confirmed only when the crescent moon of Shawwal is sighted. If the moon is seen on the 29th day, the month ends. Otherwise, it completes 30 days.
Ramadan starts on different days because it follows the lunar-based Islamic (Hijri) calendar, rather than the solar-based Gregorian calendar. The Islamic months consist of either 29 or 30 days. It depends on moon sightings.
The Islamic calendar consists of 12 lunar months, totalling roughly 354 or 355 days. This is 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian year, which has 365 or 366 days. So, every year, Ramadan moves 10 or 11 days backwards and starts in a different month and day.
How to Celebrate Ramazan
Ramadhan is a month of blessings. It is a spiritual month to grow closer to Allah, show empathy, and practice self-restraint from bad deeds like gossiping and lying, alongside abstaining from food and drink. It should be celebrated in a way to get Allah’s blessings and mercy.
The core spiritual practices of Ramzan include;
Fasting
Muslims fast during the holy month of Ramadan. It is obligatory, and avoiding it intentionally is a sin. Fasting (sawm) involves abstaining from eating, drinking, and intimacy from pre-dawn meal (Sahri) to sunset meal (Iftari). You should observe a strict fast to celebrate Ramazan in a meaningful way.
O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you—so perhaps you will become mindful of Allah. (Al-Baqarah:183)
Daily Prayers
Praying five times a day is obligatory for every Muslim. Maintain the five obligatory daily prayers during Ramazan. The rewards of prayers increase manyfold during this month.
Spiritual Practices
Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection and growth. Beyond fasting, Muslims focus on:
Increased prayer: Believers attend nightly Taraweeh prayers at the mosque, special prayers performed only during Ramadan
Reading the Quran: Muslims aim to complete reading the entire Quran during the month
Charity and generosity: excel in giving charity. Help those in need. It is especially emphasised to take care of the poor and needy during this blessed month.
Self-reflection and seeking forgiveness: It is a time to evaluate one's actions and strengthen one's relationship with Allah
Ramadan brings communities together. Families and friends often gather for iftar meals, mosques host community iftars, and there's a strong sense of unity among Muslims worldwide. Connect to people during Ramazan and contribute to a united and prosperous community.
Laylat al-Qadr
The last ten nights of Ramadan are particularly significant, especially Laylat al-Qadr, the 27th night of Ramadan. It is believed to be when the Quran was first revealed. So, spend these nights in additional prayer and worship.
Eid al-Fitr
Ramadan concludes with Eid al-Fitr, a joyous celebration featuring special prayers, festive meals, new clothes, gift-giving (especially to children), and visiting family and friends. Make your friends and family.
Importance of Ramazan
Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam. It is the month in which the holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It holds profound significance for Muslims worldwide, serving as much more than just a month of fasting.
The Month of the Quran
Ramadan is when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad through the angelJirael (AS). This makes it the holiest month in Islam, a time when the gates of heaven are opened, and prayers are more readily accepted.
Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the decisive authority. (Al-Baqarah:185)
One of the Five Pillars
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is an essential obligation for every adult Muslim, with exceptions for those who are ill, travelling, pregnant, elderly, or menstruating.
Forgiveness of Sins
Ramadhan is the month of repentance and forgiveness. Allah forgives those who sincerely repent.
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:
"Whoever stands (in the voluntary night prayer of) Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven. And whoever spends the night of Lailat Al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven." (Sunan an-Nasa'i 5027)
Personal Transformation
Ramadan is an opportunity for a spiritual reset. It is a chance to break bad habits, seek forgiveness, strengthen faith, repair relationships, and become a better version of oneself. The intensive month of worship leads to lasting positive changes. Therefore, everyone should try to spend this month in worship and pray to Allah to give us the courage to refrain from things that invalidate fasting.
The Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr)
Lailatul Qadar is the holiest night of the year. It falls on an odd-numbered night during the final ten days of the month. Worship on this night is believed to be better than a thousand months.
Umrah in Ramazan is equal to Hajj
Umrah is a voluntary Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and holds high significance in Islam. Its reward increases during Ramadan. Hazrat Ibn Abbas (RA) narrates that the Prophet (SAW) said:
"(The performance of) 'Umrah during Ramadan is equal to Hajj (pilgrimage)." Or said, "Equal to the performance of Hajj with me."(Riyad as-Salihin 1278)
The Three Ashras of Ramadan and Duas
The holy month of Ramadan is traditionally divided into three stages called Ashras. Ashra is an Arabic word which means ‘ten’. Each stage consists of 10 days and has a specific dua and theme based on a prophetic narration.
First Ashra of Ramadan and Its Dua
The first Ashra of Ramazan is known as ‘Ashra Rahma’, the ten days of mercy. It begins on the first day of Ramazan and lasts till day 10. The dua for the first ten days of Ramadan is;
"My Lord, forgive and have mercy, and You are the Best of those who show mercy".
Muslims are encouraged to recite this supplication excessively throughout the first ten days to seek divine mercy.
Second Ashra Of Ramadan and its Dua
The second Ashra of Ramadan is known as ‘Ashra Magfirah (forgiveness)’. It lasts from day 11 to 20. This middle stage is dedicated to repentance and seeking forgiveness for one's sins and shortcomings. Believers focus on increasing their supplications (duas), mending relationships, and making sincere apologies.
Astaghfirullah Rabbi Min Kulli Dhanbin wa Atubu ilaih
"I seek forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, for all my sins, and I turn to Him in repentance".
Third Ashra of Ramadan and its Dua
The third Ashra of Ramadan is known as Ashra Nijat or days of salvation. It begins on day 21 and concludes at the sighting of the Shawwal moon. These final ten days focus on seeking protection from the Hellfire.
The dua for final Ashra of Ramadan is;
اَللَٰهُمَّ أَجِرْنِي مِنَ النَّارِ
Allahumma Ajirni minan naar
"O Allah, save me from the Hellfire".
When is Ramadan 2026 in Usa
In the United States, Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on Wednesday, February 18, and end on Thursday, March 19. These dates are tentative, as the official start and end of the holy month depend on the sighting of the new crescent moon.
According to the Fiqh Council of North America, the new moon will be born on the evening of February 17, 2026. So, the first day of Ramadan will be Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Conclusion
In 2026, the holy month of Ramadan falls in February. The first night is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The first full day of fasting is expected to be Wednesday, February 18, 2026
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