As the crescent moon is sighted in mid-February 2026, Muslims around the world will once again prepare to embark on the sacred journey of Ramadan, the ninth and holiest month in the Islamic lunar calendar. This year, the first day of Ramadan is expected to fall on or around February 18 or 19, with the exact start date depending on local moon sightings and religious authority declarations, according to the Associated Press. In Singapore, for instance, Muslims anticipate beginning their fast on February 19, with the fasting month concluding on March 20 and the celebratory festival of Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr) set for March 21.
For the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims, Ramadan is far more than refraining from food and drink during daylight hours. It is a time of spiritual renewal, increased worship, and reflection. Fasting—one of the Five Pillars of Islam, alongside the profession of faith, prayer, almsgiving, and pilgrimage—is a central act of devotion. As outlined by AP, the daily fast involves abstaining from all food and drink, including water, from dawn to sunset. The fast is broken each evening with iftar, a meal that often begins with a sip of water and a few dates, a tradition rooted in the practices of the Prophet Muhammad.
Before the sun rises, Muslims partake in a nourishing pre-dawn meal called suhoor or sahur, designed to sustain them through the day’s abstinence. The discipline of fasting, as explained by Sassy Mama Singapore, is not unique to Islam. Many cultures and faiths—including Christianity, Judaism, and Hinduism—embrace fasting as a spiritual discipline, though the form and duration may differ. For example, while Christians may give up certain foods during Lent, Muslims abstain from all food and drink during the fasting hours of Ramadan.
The reasons behind fasting are deeply spiritual and practical. As Sassy Mama Singapore notes, fasting is believed to purify the body and mind, redirecting energy from digestion toward contemplation, prayer, and empathy. It serves as a reminder of the plight of the poor and hungry, fostering compassion and gratitude. "It is supposed to help make us stronger inside and help us understand others better (to be empathetic), and to connect with God and the people around us better," the publication explains. The fast is not merely about physical deprivation; it is also a call to moral excellence. Muslims are encouraged to be kind, avoid anger, and increase their charitable acts—whether through donations, volunteering, or simply offering a kind word.
Charity, or zakat, is a hallmark of Ramadan. According to AP, many Muslims provide iftar for those in need, distribute Ramadan boxes filled with pantry staples, or organize free communal meals. In the United States, where Muslims form a racially and ethnically diverse minority, gathering at mosques and Islamic centers for iftar meals and prayers offers a powerful sense of community. Interfaith iftars are also common, fostering understanding across religious boundaries.
Not everyone is required to fast. Islam exempts those who are ill, traveling, pregnant, nursing, menstruating, or otherwise unable to endure the fast. Those who miss fasting due to temporary reasons are expected to make up the missed days later. Children are not required to fast until they reach puberty, though many families encourage younger children to try half-day fasts as preparation. "When they do begin fasting from sun up to sundown during Ramadan, they have to be comfortable doing so and should not continue if they start to become dizzy or overly hungry to the point of feeling ill," Sassy Mama Singapore advises.
Ramadan traditions are as diverse as the Muslim world itself, shaped by local culture and history. In Egypt, the streets come alive with colorful lanterns, known as fanous, and the rhythmic beating of the mesaharati’s drum as he roams neighborhoods before dawn, calling the faithful to suhoor. Ramadan songs fill the air, and families gather for festive meals. In Indonesia, customs vary widely. In the Aceh province, Meugang festivities involve the slaughtering of animals and sharing the cooked meat with family, friends, orphans, and the poor. Meanwhile, in Tangerang, a symbolic spiritual cleansing sees residents washing their hair with rice straw shampoo in the Cisadane River. Across Sumatra, children parade through the streets after evening prayers, carrying torches and singing Islamic songs.
In modern times, some worry that Ramadan is becoming too commercialized, with an emphasis on lavish iftar banquets, television specials, and elaborate decorations. Yet, others believe a balance can be struck, viewing these festive rituals as part of the month’s communal spirit—so long as the religious essence remains at the heart of the observance. As AP points out, in many countries, advertisers compete for viewers’ attention with new television series debuting during Ramadan, adding a contemporary flair to the age-old tradition.
In Singapore and other multicultural societies, Ramadan provides a unique opportunity for cross-cultural understanding. Children are often taught about the significance of fasting and the values it instills—self-discipline, empathy, and gratitude. Parents might encourage children to research fasting practices in other religions or organize activities that highlight commonalities between faiths. Greeting Muslim friends with "Ramadan Kareem" or "Ramadan Mubarak"—meaning "Have a generous Ramadan" or "Happy Ramadan"—is a simple gesture of respect and inclusion. As Ramadan ends and Eid al-Fitr (Hari Raya Puasa) arrives, the greeting "Eid Mubarak" is exchanged, marking a time of celebration and gratitude.
The conclusion of Ramadan is marked by Eid al-Fitr, a joyous holiday celebrated with communal prayers, feasting, and gift-giving. In Singapore, Hari Raya Puasa falls on March 21, 2026, and is a time for families to gather, forgive past grievances, and share in the blessings of the past month. The holiday serves as a reminder of the values cultivated during Ramadan—compassion, generosity, and unity.
Ultimately, Ramadan is a tapestry woven from faith, tradition, and community. Whether in the bustling streets of Cairo, the riverbanks of Tangerang, or the mosques of New York, Muslims will greet this sacred month with anticipation and reverence. As the sun sets each evening, the breaking of the fast is not just a physical relief, but a celebration of spiritual resilience and shared humanity. Ramadan Mubarak to all who observe!