Ramadan 2026

What is Ramadan 2026?

Ramadan is the blessed month of fasting for Muslims. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, where believers refrain from food, drink and immoral activities from dawn to sunset. Fasting in Ramadan is the fourth Pillar of Islam. The month of Ramadan is also when the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the first verses being revealed on Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Power. The month of Ramadan is a time to focus and reflect, dedicating oneself to engaging in righteous deeds. Muslims around the world celebrate the month of Ramadan by acting upon the teachings of Islam and getting together for prayers.

“O you who believe! Observing the fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become the pious” [Al-Baqarah 2:183]

Can you drink during Ramadan?

Fasting means staying away from food and drink. Drinking water or other fluids during the fast invalidates the fast.

When is Ramadan 2026?

The start date for Ramadan changes every year due to the following of the lunar calendar. The Ramadan 2026 dates are yet to be confirmed based on the sighting of the moon; however, the blessed month is expected to start on the evening of 17th February. The holy month will consist of 29 or 30 days, subject to the sighting of the Shawwal moon, which marks the end of Ramadan, the start of the Eid Ul-Fitr 2026 celebration, and the beginning of the next Islamic month.

When is Laylatul Qadr 2026?

Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Power, is marked as a very significant time during the month of Ramadan. Allah describes Laylatul Qadr as being better than a thousand months. “The night of al-Qadr is better than a thousand months” [al-Qadr 97:3]. The gateway to heaven is believed to be kept open on this night, making prayers even more valuable. Carrying out good deeds during this time is also believed to earn Muslims extra rewards.

Though the exact date of the Night of Power is unknown, it is believed to fall on one of the last 10 odd nights of Ramadan, being either the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th.

With that in mind, the last ten nights of Laylatul Qadr 2026 are expected to begin on Sunday 8th March 2026, concluding on Wednesday 17th March 2026. This again would entirely depend on the confirmed sighting of the moon at the start of the month.

Ramadan Greetings

It is customary among Muslims to greet each other after the Ramadan moon is sighted. The greeting ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ translates to ‘have a blessed Ramadan’, and is used up to the first week of Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak is to wish a month full of goodness for fellow Muslims.

When is Eid 2026?

Eid Ul-Fitr marks the end of the Holy month of Ramadan. It is a time when friends and families come together to celebrate the day. Muslims wear their best clothes, feast on good food, and spend the day rejoicing. With the month of Ramadan coming to an end, Eid Ul-Fitr 2026 will begin at the sighting of the Shawal Moon, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. Though Eid ul-Fitr 2026 is expected to commence on the evening of the 18th March 2026, the moon must be sighted to confirm it.

Facts about Ramadan

The fasting days are surrounded by the Ramadan timetable. It is important to know the correct timings of when to start your fast and break it too. Suhoor is the meal eaten before dawn to start the fast, and Iftar is the food eaten at the time of breaking the fast. Both meals are a good time to reflect and pray to Allah for what he has blessed you with.

What are the Rules of Ramadan?

Ramadan is surrounded by important rules which should be followed. It is a good idea for the believers to familiarise themselves with these before approaching the holy month. Many scholars state that the intention of fasting in Ramadan must be made before beginning the fast. Otherwise, the fast is considered invalid. There are also certain things that invalidate the fast on the whole. These include intentional eating or drinking, blood transfusion, intercourse, cupping and deliberate vomiting. In case of deliberately breaking the fast, one has to pay Kaffarah. While a complete inability to fast due to health problems or old age calls for Fidya.

There are certain exemptions for those going through chronic illness, severe weakness in old age, those travelling, those who are menstruating and breastfeeding or expecting mothers. People in these aforementioned categories are exempt from fasting and can make up for the missed fasts later in the year or pay Fidya if they know that they will not be able to make up for it.

The Commitment of Charity Meals in the Month of Ramadan

This Ramadan, our commitment to serving those in need is stronger than ever. Our mission is simple yet profound: to provide food and hope to more children, families, and the elderly who are struggling for their survival. Throughout this blessed month, we are dedicated to delivering thousands of hot meals and millions of food parcels, as well as the precious gift of clean and safe drinking water to those in need.

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) has said "The best of you are those who feed others." [Ahmad]

Ramadan is a month when every charitable deed is multiplied a thousand times. Just imagine the magnitude of reward you will receive when an orphan child offers a heartfelt prayer of gratitude for the food you have provided. Just imagine the great benefits a family could gain through having nourished meals and access to clean water during the entire month of Ramadan.

Your generosity during this sacred month can transform lives. You can donate to any of our Charity Meals projects and appeals which aim to make a positive difference to those in need. Choose an appeal close to your heart and donate generously.

Your Zakat and Sadaqah can help save lives. Donate now to make a difference.