RIYADH: Saudi Arabia announced that Ramadan 2026 will begin on Wednesday, February 18, following the sighting of the crescent moon by the country’s official moon-sighting committee.
Muslims around the world will observe the holy month by fasting from dawn to dusk, with fasting hours varying depending on location.
Significance of Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and marks the period when the first verses of the holy Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) over 1,400 years ago.
Observant Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual relations during daylight hours.
The fast is intended to foster spiritual growth and greater taqwa, or consciousness of Allah Almighty.
Why Ramadan dates change
Ramadan begins 10 to 12 days earlier each year because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar Hijri system, where months last 29 or 30 days.
As a result, the start of Ramadan shifts annually in relation to the solar Gregorian calendar.
According to experts, the shorter lunar year will cause Ramadan to be observed twice in 2030 – first beginning January 5, and then again starting December 26.
Fasting hours worldwide
The number of fasting hours varies globally.
For nearly 90 percent of the population living in the Northern Hemisphere, fasting hours this year will be shorter than in previous years, lasting around 12 to 13 hours on the first day, as it coincides with the winter months.
Meanwhile, Muslims in southern hemisphere countries such as Chile, New Zealand, and South Africa will fast for approximately 14 to 15 hours on the first day.
Fasting duration is expected to increase in the Northern Hemisphere and decrease in the Southern Hemisphere as the month progresses.
Suhoor and Iftar times
Muslims begin the fast with suhoor, a pre-dawn meal, and break it at iftar, at sunset.
Times vary widely based on geographic location. On the first day of Ramadan, fasting begins at dawn and ends at sunset, with local authorities typically issuing precise timings for major cities.
During the holy month, Muslims exchange greetings to convey blessings and goodwill.
The most common phrases are “Ramadan Mubarak”, meaning a blessed Ramadan, and “Ramadan Kareem”, wishing a generous month.
Each country often adapts greetings into its native language.
Ramadan remains a period of spiritual reflection, charity, and community, uniting Muslims worldwide in observance of one of the pillars of Islam.
