As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, Muslims around the world are preparing for a time of fasting, prayer, self-reflection and spiritual growth. Ramadan is one of the holiest months in Islam and its start date is eagerly awaited every year. Many people are currently confused about whether Ramadan 2026 will start from February 18 or February 19.
Here’s everything you need to know about Ramadan 2026:-
What is Ramadan and why is it important?
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According to the Islamic calendar, Ramadan, also known as Ramzan, Ramzan or Ramzan, is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn (Suhur) to sunset (Iftar). Along with fasting, people focus on prayer, charity, kindness and strengthening their connection with Allah.
The beginning of Ramadan depends on the sighting of the new crescent, which is why the start date may vary from country to country.
When is Ramadan 2026 expected to start?
Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026, after the sighting of the crescent moon on the evening of Wednesday, February 18, according to astronomical calculations and reports by the Emirates Astronomical Society.
This means:
February 18, 2026 is likely to be the last day of Shaban
February 19, 2026 is expected to be the first day of fasting in many countries
This Ramadan is also being called “Winter Ramadan”, which means that the fasting hours will be shorter and more relaxed compared to the summer months.
Ramadan timings 2026: Sehri and Iftar schedule
According to Islamic researchers,
February 19, 2026 – Sehri: 5:36 am, Iftar: 6:15 pm
February 20, 2026 – Sehri: 5:35 am, Iftar: 6:16 pm
February 21, 2026 – Sehri: 5:35 am, Iftar: 6:17 pm
February 22, 2026 – Sehri: 5:34 am, Iftar: 6:17 pm
February 23, 2026 – Sehri: 5:33 am, Iftar: 6:18 pm
February 24, 2026 – Sehri: 5:32 am, Iftar: 6:19 pm
February 25, 2026 – Sehri: 5:31 am, Iftar: 6:19 pm
February 26, 2026 – Sehri: 5:30 am, Iftar: 6:20 pm
February 27, 2026 – Sehri: 5:29 am, Iftar: 6:21 pm
February 28, 2026 – Sehri: 5:28 am, Iftar: 6:21 pm
March 1, 2026 – Sehri: 5:27 am, Iftar: 6:22 pm
March 2, 2026 – Sehri: 5:26 am, Iftar: 6:23 pm
March 3, 2026 – Sehri: 5:25 am, Iftar: 6:23 pm
March 4, 2026 – Sehri: 5:24 am, Iftar: 6:24 pm
March 5, 2026 – Sehri: 5:23 am, Iftar: 6:25 pm
March 6, 2026 – Sehri: 5:22 am, Iftar: 6:25 pm
March 7, 2026 – Sehri: 5:21 am, Iftar: 6:26 pm
March 8, 2026 – Sehri: 5:20 am, Iftar: 6:26 pm
March 9, 2026 – Sehri: 5:19 am, Iftar: 6:27 pm
March 10, 2026 – Sehri: 5:18 am, Iftar: 6:28 pm
March 11, 2026 – Sehri: 5:17 am, Iftar: 6:28 pm
March 12, 2026 – Sehri: 5:15 am, Iftar: 6:29 pm
March 13, 2026 – Sehri: 5:14 am, Iftar: 6:29 pm
March 14, 2026 – Sehri: 5:13 am, Iftar: 6:30 pm
March 15, 2026 – Sehri: 5:12 am, Iftar: 6:31 pm
March 16, 2026 – Sehri: 5:11 am, Iftar: 6:31 pm
March 17, 2026 – Sehri: 5:10 am, Iftar: 6:32 pm
March 18, 2026 – Sehri: 5:08 am, Iftar: 6:32 pm
March 19, 2026 – Sehri: 5:07 am, Iftar: 6:33 pm
March 20, 2026 – Sehri: 5:06 am, Iftar: 6:33 pm
Fasting period during Ramadan 2026
According to Ibrahim Al-Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society, fasting times in Ramadan 2026 will start at around 12 hours and 45 minutes and will gradually increase as the month moves towards spring. This makes fasting in Ramadan 2026 relatively easy.
Ramadan 2026 prayer timings: country-wise details
Ramadan 2026 timetable for Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, Ramadan is expected to begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026, based on confirmation of moon sighting by local authorities. Eid-ul-Fitr is likely to be celebrated around March 20, 2026, depending on the sighting of the Shawwal moon.
Daily prayer times such as Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha will change slightly every day throughout the month. Worshipers are advised to follow official mosque announcements for exact timings.
Ramadan 2026 timetable for United Kingdom (London)
In the UK, Ramadan 2026 is also expected to start on 19 February, depending on local moon sightings. Muslims in Britain generally rely on both astronomical calculations and mosque confirmation.
Due to geographical location the fasting time in London will be longer than in Middle Eastern countries, and Eid al-Fitr is expected to fall around March 20.
Ramadan 2026 timetable for the United States (New York)
In the United States, including New York, most Muslim communities are expected to begin Ramadan on February 19, 2026. However, some regions may start the fast a day earlier depending on the decision to sight the moon.
Eid al-Fitr in the US is expected to fall around March 20 or 21, depending on the confirmation of the sighting of the crescent moon.
Important reminder for worshipers
Prayer times, suhoor and iftar schedules vary by location. Muslims are advised to:
Follow local mosque announcements
Check reliable Islamic calendar
Stay updated with moon sighting reports
Ramadan 2026 is a time of peace, patience and spiritual renewal for Muslims around the world. Although there may be slight differences in the start date due to the sighting of the moon, the essence of Ramadan remains the same faith, fasting, prayer and compassion. As the holy month approaches, making preparations both spiritually and practically can help make Ramadan more meaningful and fulfilling.
(This article is for your general information only. Zee News does not confirm its accuracy or reliability.)