When Is Ramadan? What Happens During the Islamic Holy Month — What to Know

Ramadan is the holiest month of the year for Muslims around the world. It is a period of intense spiritual reflection, worship, and fasting that holds deep religious significance in Islam. Every year, the timing of Ramadan shifts slightly earlier in the Gregorian calendar because it is based on the lunar Islamic calendar.

In 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin in the evening of Sunday, March 1st, and last for 29 or 30 days, ending with the celebration of Eid al‑Fitr. This timing may vary by one day depending on local moon sightings in different countries.

What Is Ramadan?

Ramadan (رَمَضَان) is the ninth month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar, a sacred period during which Muslims observe a fast from dawn until sunset. The fast — known as sawm — is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making it a compulsory act of worship for all adult Muslims who are physically and mentally able.

The month commemorates the time when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), making it a period of heightened devotion, prayer, and reading of the Quran.

Fasting During the Holy Month

Fasting is the most well‑known aspect of Ramadan. From first light (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib), Muslims abstain from:

• Eating and drinking
• Smoking
• Marital intimacy
• Intentional sin

Fasting is meant to teach self‑discipline, self‑control, and empathy for those who are less fortunate. It is not only about refraining from food and drink but also about purifying the heart and mind.

Each day begins with a pre‑dawn meal called suhoor, and the fast is broken at sunset with a meal called iftar. Traditionally, the fast is broken with dates and water, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), followed by a larger meal.

Spiritual Significance

Ramadan is a time for spiritual renewal. Muslims are encouraged to:

• Increase prayer (salah), including the special nightly prayer called Taraweeh
• *Recite and reflect upon the Quran
• Give charity (zakat and sadaqah)
• *Seek forgiveness and self‑improvement

The final ten nights of Ramadan are especially significant because one of them is believed to contain Laylat al‑Qadr — the Night of Decree — which is described as “better than a thousand months.” Many Muslims dedicate extra worship and prayer during these nights.

Charity and Community

Charity plays a central role in Ramadan. Muslims are encouraged to give more generously to the needy, both through mandatory almsgiving (zakat) and voluntary charity (sadaqah).

In many communities, iftar — the meal that breaks the fast — is shared with family, friends, and even strangers. Mosques and community organizations often host communal iftar dinners to foster unity and support.

Who Must Fast — and Who Is Exempt

Fasting during Ramadan is required for all adult Muslims who are healthy and able. However, Islamic law provides exemptions for those who may be physically harmed by fasting:

• Children who have not reached puberty
• Pregnant, breastfeeding, or menstruating women
• Travelers
• Elderly or chronically ill individuals
• People with medical conditions that make fasting unsafe

Those who are unable to fast for valid reasons can make up missed days later or provide meals to the needy as an alternative — depending on Islamic legal guidance.

Eid al‑Fitr: Celebrating the End of Ramadan

Ramadan ends with the sighting of the new moon, marking the beginning of the month of Shawwal and the celebration of Eid al‑Fitr — the Festival of Breaking the Fast.

Eid al‑Fitr is a joyful day of communal prayer, festive meals, giving to charity, and visiting friends and family. It begins with a special prayer in congregation and is traditionally marked by wearing new or finest clothes, sharing sweets, and giving gifts — especially to children.

Conclusion

Ramadan is more than abstaining from food and drink; it is an immersive spiritual journey that emphasizes discipline, empathy, reflection, and community. It offers Muslims an annual opportunity to strengthen their faith, renew their connection to God, and deepen their service to humanity. In 2026, millions of Muslims around the world will begin this sacred month in early March, participating in a tradition that has shaped Islamic life for over fourteen centuries.

FAQs

Q1: When does Ramadan start in 2026?

In 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin the evening of March 1st, with exact timing confirmed by local moon sighting.

Q2: What do Muslims do during Ramadan?

Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, pray more frequently, read the Quran, give charity, and seek spiritual growth.

Q3: Who is exempt from fasting?

Children, the sick, pregnant or breastfeeding women, elderly, and travelers may be exempt or make up missed fasts later.