As dusk approaches on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, anticipation is palpable across Lahore and much of Pakistan. The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is convening this evening to confirm whether the crescent moon—herald of the holy month—has been sighted. If so, Thursday, February 19, 2026, will mark the first day of Ramadan 1447 AH, ushering in a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection for millions of Muslims in Lahore and beyond, according to Pave.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a period of deep spiritual significance. For 2026, it aligns with 1447 AH, not 1446 AH—a detail important to those tracking the Islamic lunar calendar’s progression. The start of Ramadan is always determined by the sighting of the new moon, a tradition rooted in Islamic history and observed with reverence from Mecca to Lahore to the farthest corners of the Muslim world. As reported by HerZindagi, this year’s holy month is expected to commence on February 19, following the moon’s sighting at Mecca and across Pakistan.
With the likely confirmation of the moon sighting, Lahore’s mosques and homes are preparing for the first Taraweeh prayers. These special nightly prayers will be offered after Isha on February 18 if the crescent is indeed seen. Major mosques—such as the iconic Badshahi Mosque and the revered Data Darbar—are expected to fill with worshippers between 7:30 PM and 8:15 PM, as detailed by Pave. The spiritual energy of Ramadan pulses most strongly in these communal gatherings, where faith and tradition intertwine.
Fasting, or Roza, is the central pillar of Ramadan. Each day, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib). The fast is more than a physical challenge; it’s an act of devotion, discipline, and empathy for those less fortunate. The daily rhythm of Ramadan is marked by two crucial meals: Sehri (the pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (the sunset meal). In Lahore, on the expected first day of Ramadan, Sehri will end at precisely 5:18 AM, and Iftar will be at 5:54 PM, according to the timetable provided by Pave. These times shift slightly each day, with Sehri becoming earlier and Iftar later as the month progresses.
For those following Fiqh-e-Hanafi, the schedule for the first three days in Lahore is as follows: on February 19, Sehri ends at 5:18 AM and Iftar is at 5:54 PM; on February 20, Sehri ends at 5:17 AM and Iftar remains at 5:54 PM; and on February 21, Sehri ends at 5:16 AM and Iftar is at 5:55 PM. The average fasting duration on Day 1 is about 12 hours and 36 minutes, gradually extending to nearly 13 hours and 15–20 minutes by month’s end. In other major Pakistani cities, Iftar times on the first day will be: Islamabad at 5:56 PM, Faisalabad at 5:58 PM, Multan at 6:05 PM, and Karachi at 6:28 PM—meaning Karachiites will fast a bit longer due to the later sunset, Pave notes.
The significance of Sehri and Iftar goes beyond nourishment. At Sehri, Muslims make their intention (niyyah) to fast—a spiritual commitment that’s often formalized by reciting a specific prayer. According to LatestLY, the commonly recited Sehri dua is: "Wa bisawmi ghadin nawaitu min shahri Ramadhan," which translates as, "I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan." Some, as cited by HerZindagi, recite a longer supplication: "Wa Bisawmi Ghadinn Nawaiytu Min Shahri Ramadan, Wahaulahu Alayhi Biqiyamihi, Wahidhni Bihurmatihi, Wa'afini Bi'afiyatihi, Wa'ghfirli Bi'ghufraanihi, Ya Allah." This means, "I intend to keep the fast tomorrow in the month of Ramadan. O Allah, help me to stand in prayer during it, protect me through its sanctity, grant me health through Your well-being, and forgive me through Your forgiveness, O Allah." The essence of these prayers is to express intention, seek protection, health, and forgiveness—reminding the faithful that fasting is both a physical and spiritual journey.
As dusk falls and the call to Maghrib resounds, families gather to break their fast. The Sunnah, or prophetic tradition, is to break the fast with dates and water. At this sacred moment, Muslims recite the Iftar dua. The most widely recognized is: "Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa alayka tawakkaltu wa ala rizq-ika-aftartu," meaning, "O Allah! I fasted for You and I believe in You and I put my trust in You and I break my fast with Your sustenance," as highlighted by LatestLY. Another prayer, often recited after the first sip of water, is: "Dhahabaz Zama’u wab tallatil uruqoo wa thabbatal ajru inshaAllah," or "Thirst has gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is sure, if Allah wills." HerZindagi also shares a simple expression of gratitude: "Alhamdu lillahi aladhi 'at'amana wa'saqana, wa'ja'alana min almuslimin, wa'ghfir lana dhunubana, ya Allah," which means, "All praise is due to Allah, who has fed us and given us drink, and made us among the Muslims, and forgive us our sins, O Allah." These supplications encapsulate the spirit of Ramadan—gratitude, humility, and reliance on divine mercy.
Beyond the rituals of fasting and prayer, Ramadan brings changes to daily life in Lahore. The Punjab government has announced special school timings: Monday to Thursday from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM, and Fridays from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, with girls’ schools allowed to open 15 minutes earlier. The city’s bustling roads—Mall Road, Ferozepur Road, Liberty Market, and Gulberg Main Boulevard—are expected to see heavy traffic, especially from around 5:00 PM as people rush home for Iftar. Residents are advised to plan their journeys to avoid the peak congestion, according to Pave.
For those in need, the government’s Nigehban Card program continues to offer relief. Lahore residents can check the status of their Rs 10,000 aid by sending their CNIC via SMS to 8070 or visiting the local Assistant Commissioner’s office. This initiative is an important lifeline for many families during Ramadan, when the spirit of charity and community support is at its height.
This year’s Ramadan falls in the winter for the Northern Hemisphere, resulting in shorter fasting hours compared to the long, hot days of summer. Still, the discipline and devotion required remain undiminished. As LatestLY points out, exact Sehri and Iftar times can vary by city, so residents are encouraged to consult local mosque calendars or mobile apps to ensure their fasts are observed correctly each day.
Whether through the recitation of heartfelt duas, the gathering for Taraweeh prayers, or the simple act of sharing a meal with family and neighbors, Ramadan 2026 in Lahore promises to be a month of reflection, generosity, and unity. As the community awaits the outcome of tonight’s moon sighting, preparations are already in full swing—setting the stage for a sacred journey that will be undertaken together, with hope, faith, and gratitude guiding every step.