As the holy month of Ramadan approaches in 2026, anticipation and preparation ripple across Muslim communities worldwide. This year, Ramadan is forecasted to commence on Thursday, February 19, 2026, though—as always—the official start hinges on the local sighting of the crescent moon, a tradition that underscores both the spiritual and communal aspects of the Islamic calendar. According to Gulf News and GoodReturns, this alignment of astronomical calculation and religious observation means that while predictions are increasingly precise, the final word will rest with local moon sighting committees in each country and community.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a period marked by fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayer, and deep reflection. It commemorates the month in which the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, specifically on the "Night of Power" or "Laylat al-Qadr," which is believed to fall on one of the last ten nights of Ramadan—often the 27th night. As Gulf News notes, those who observe Ramadan with sincere fasting and prayer are, according to Islamic tradition, forgiven for their past sins.
In 2026, Muslims in India, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and a host of other countries—including Oman, Turkey, Singapore, and Australia—are preparing to begin their fasts on February 19, subject to the all-important moon sighting. In India, the process is especially communal, with moon sighting committees convening in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Lucknow. These committees often coordinate with developments in Saudi Arabia, reflecting the global interconnectedness of the Muslim community during this sacred time, as reported by GoodReturns.
Fasting hours in 2026 promise to be relatively comfortable for many, particularly as this is a "Winter Ramadan." Ibrahim Al-Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society, told Gulf News that fasting hours will start at approximately 12 hours and 45 minutes and gradually increase as the month edges toward spring. This is a welcome reprieve compared to summer Ramadans, when fasts can stretch well beyond 16 hours in some regions.
For those observing in India, the first day’s Sehri (pre-dawn meal) is expected around 5:36 AM, with Iftar (breaking of the fast) at approximately 6:15 PM in major North Indian cities. These times will inch earlier for Sehri and later for Iftar as the days lengthen, with southern cities experiencing slightly different schedules due to their geographic position. GoodReturns provides a detailed timetable, emphasizing that sunrise and sunset times—and thus fasting durations—vary notably across India’s vast expanse.
In Saudi Arabia, the Emirates Astronomical Society predicts the first day of Ramadan 1447 AH will also be Thursday, February 19, 2026, with Eid al-Fitr expected to fall on March 20. However, if the crescent moon is sighted a day earlier, Saudi Arabia could begin Ramadan on February 18, potentially influencing start dates in neighboring countries and even in India, where announcements often follow Saudi precedents. Gulf News reports that Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan, will be celebrated on March 20 in most countries if current projections hold.
Across the United Kingdom, Muslims will likewise look for the crescent moon on the evening of February 18, with most forecasts pointing to February 19 as the likely start date. British Muslims rely on a blend of astronomical calculations and official announcements from local mosques to determine the confirmed beginning and end of Ramadan. The month-long fast is expected to conclude on March 19, with Eid al-Fitr anticipated on March 20, mirroring the schedule in many other countries, according to Gulf News.
In the United States, most Muslim communities are preparing to begin fasting on February 19, though some may start a day earlier if the crescent moon is sighted sooner. As in other countries, the diversity of the American Muslim population means that practices can vary, but the core rituals—fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayer, and community gatherings—remain consistent. Eid al-Fitr in the U.S. is projected for March 20 or 21, depending on local moon sighting confirmations, as noted by Gulf News.
Elsewhere, countries such as Oman, Turkey, Singapore, and Australia are also expected to commence Ramadan fasting on February 19, based on astronomical visibility predictions. In Pakistan, the new moon is expected on February 17, with a possible moon sighting on February 18, subject to confirmation by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. This regional variation highlights the dynamic interplay between science and tradition that defines Ramadan’s start and end each year, according to GoodReturns.
The duration of Ramadan can be either 29 or 30 days, determined by the next crescent moon sighting. Current projections in Gulf countries, including Dubai, suggest a 29-day Ramadan in 2026. If this holds, Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, March 20, in India and many parts of the world, as reported by both Gulf News and GoodReturns.
During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink between dawn and sunset, focusing instead on spiritual growth, charity, and community. The fast—called 'roza' in South Asia—lasts nearly 14 hours in India this year, according to GoodReturns. The daily rhythm of Sehri and Iftar, punctuated by prayers and readings from the Quran, fosters a sense of unity and renewal. The month culminates with Eid al-Fitr, a joyous festival marked by communal prayers, feasting, and acts of charity.
Despite advances in astronomical prediction, the human element of Ramadan’s start remains central. The sighting of the crescent moon, often accompanied by excitement and celebration, is a cherished tradition that connects Muslims across generations and continents. As Gulf News and GoodReturns both highlight, this blend of faith, science, and community ensures that Ramadan remains a living, evolving practice—rooted in history, yet ever responsive to the rhythms of the natural world and the needs of the faithful.
As the world prepares to welcome Ramadan 2026, the anticipation is palpable. Whether in the bustling streets of Mumbai, the quiet mosques of London, or the diverse neighborhoods of New York, Muslims will soon unite in a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection—each guided by the slender crescent moon and the enduring promise of renewal.