When is Ramadan 2026
Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and end around Thursday, March 19, 2026, depending on the moon sighting. It is the holiest month in Islam, a time for fasting, reflection, and giving. Here’s everything you need to know about Ramadan 2026, including key dates, important days, and how to prepare your heart and charity.
When Does Ramadan 2026 Start
Ramadan 2026 is anticipated to start on February 17, 2026, and end on March 19, 2026, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon.
- Start date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
- End date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
- Eid al-Fitr: Expected on Friday, March 20, 2026
The dates may vary slightly depending on your region and local moon sighting announcements.
Key Dates in Ramadan 2026
Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of Monday, February 16, 2026, and end around Wednesday, March 18, 2026, depending on the moon sighting. Below are some of the most significant days to note:
- 1st Day of Ramadan: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
The start of fasting and a time for spiritual renewal and reflection.
- Middle of Ramadan (15th Fast): Tuesday, March 3, 2026
A moment to renew intention, stay consistent in worship, and strengthen acts of charity.
- Last 10 Nights of Ramadan: Monday, March 9 to Thursday, March 19, 2026
The holiest nights of the month, when rewards are multiplied and prayers are most accepted.
- Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Power): Expected on Monday, March 16, 2026 (27th Night)
The night when the Qur’an was revealed, described as better than a thousand months.
- Eid al-Fitr: Friday, March 20, 2026
A joyous celebration marking the end of fasting and a time to give Zakat al-Fitr, ensuring everyone can share in the blessings of Eid.
Note: Dates are approximate and may vary by region based on local moon sightings.
How Long Is Ramadan 2026
Ramadan lasts between 29 to 30 days, depending on the moon sighting. Muslims fast each day from dawn (Suhoor) to sunset (Iftar), refraining from food, drink, and negative behavior while increasing prayer, Qur’an recitation, and acts of charity.
Sawm: The Essence of Fasting in Ramadan
Each day of fasting, known as Sawm, begins at dawn and ends with the setting of the sun. When the call to Maghrib prayer is heard, Muslims break their fast with dates and water, following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Breaking the fast, or Iftar, is a time of gratitude and togetherness. Families and friends gather to share meals, reflect on their blessings, and thank Allah for His mercy. Fasting teaches discipline, empathy, and compassion for those who face hunger daily.
Across the world, Muslim Hands USA helps provide Iftar meals and food packs to families who might otherwise go without. Your support ensures that everyone can break their fast with dignity and peace.
How to Prepare for Ramadan 2026 Spiritually and Practically
Preparing for Ramadan early helps you make the most of this sacred month. Here’s how you can begin:
- Set spiritual goals. Plan your daily Qur’an recitation and dua schedule.
- Give Sadaqah early. Support families who need food and water before Ramadan begins.
- Calculate your Zakat. Use Muslim Hands USA Zakat Calculator to give accurately.
- Plan your fasting routine. Adjust your sleep, meal, and prayer schedule gradually.
- Cleanse your intentions. Ramadan is not just about fasting but renewing your connection with Allah.
Collect the Rewards of Ramadan by Giving to Charity
Ramadan is the month of mercy and every good deed is multiplied. Through your generosity, you can help families in need experience the joy, hope, and dignity that Ramadan represents.
The Three Forms of Charity in Islam
- Zakat al-Mal: The obligatory charity due on accumulated wealth once a year. It purifies your income and ensures your blessings reach those who need them most.
- Sadaqah: Voluntary charity given at any time from a sincere heart. Whether it is a meal, a donation, or even a smile, Sadaqah reflects compassion and faith in action.
- Zakat al-Fitr: A required charity given before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. It purifies the fasting person and allows the less fortunate to celebrate Eid with peace and dignity.
Why Giving During Ramadan Matters
Giving during Ramadan holds special significance.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that “the best charity is that given in Ramadan.” (Tirmidhi 663)
When you give through Muslim Hands USA, you are:
- Feeding the hungry by providing iftar meals, food packs, and clean water to families fasting worldwide.
- Earning multiplied rewards, as acts of charity in Ramadan are rewarded many times over.
- Building stronger communities where every family can share in the joy of Eid.
- Reflecting gratitude and faith, remembering that our wealth is a trust from Allah and sharing it brings spiritual and social benefit.
This Ramadan 2026, let your charity be your legacy. Give Zakat, Sadaqah, or Fidya through Muslim Hands USA and help transform lives across the world.
Zakat al-Fitr: Purifying Your Fast Through Giving
Before the Eid prayer, every eligible Muslim gives Zakat al-Fitr, a compulsory form of charity. It purifies the fast and ensures that those in need can also share in the joy of Eid.
Zakat al-Fitr is traditionally given in the form of staple food items or their monetary value. This contribution allows families in hardship to eat well and celebrate Eid with ease.
While Zakat al-Fitr is due before the Eid prayer, you can give it a few days earlier to ensure it reaches those in need on time. Many also choose to give their Zakat or Sadaqah during the final nights of Ramadan, especially on Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), when rewards are multiplied.
Through Muslim Hands USA, your Zakat al-Fitr can provide nutritious food to families in crisis, allowing them to end Ramadan with comfort and dignity.
Give early, give with intention, and make your charity count where it’s needed most.
Eid al-Fitr: A Celebration of Gratitude and Giving
Eid al-Fitr, meaning Festival of Breaking the Fast, marks the joyous conclusion of Ramadan. It is expected to begin on Friday, March 20, 2026, depending on the moon sighting.
Eid is a time of joy and reflection, when families come together to pray, share meals, and give thanks for completing a month of worship and self-restraint. Gifts are exchanged, children are celebrated, and communities unite in gratitude.
Check with your local mosque for confirmed prayer times and community Eid gatherings in your area.
Through Muslim Hands USA, your Zakat and Sadaqah help families around the world take part in the blessings of Eid. Together, we can ensure that every home celebrates with hope and dignity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ramadan 2026
What does Ramadan Kareem mean?
“Ramadan Kareem” is a greeting often shared during the holy month, meaning “Generous Ramadan.” It reflects the spirit of generosity and kindness that defines this blessed time, wishing others a Ramadan full of reward and blessings.
What time can you eat during Ramadan?
Muslims begin their fast before dawn after eating Suhoor, a pre-dawn meal, and break their fast at sunset with Iftar, which follows the Maghrib prayer. Traditionally, the fast is opened with dates and water, following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
What Duas should you recite during Ramadan?
One of the most common Duas for breaking the fast is:
Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa ‘alayka tawakkaltu wa ‘ala rizqika-aftartu
“O Allah, I fasted for You, I believe in You, and I put my trust in You, and with Your sustenance I break my fast.”
Muslims also recite Duas for forgiveness, mercy, and guidance throughout the month, especially during the last ten nights, seeking the blessings of Laylat al-Qadr.
Ramadan Mubarak from Muslim Hands USA
Muslim Hands USA looks forward to Ramadan 2026, we pray it brings peace, forgiveness, and unity to every heart and home. May your fasting, prayers, and charity be accepted, and may your giving continue to bring light and relief to others long after Ramadan ends.
Ramadan Mubarak from all of us at Muslim Hands USA.
