In the year 1447 AH (2026), Ramadan is expected to be a significant spiritual and liturgical milestone, falling during the late winter and early spring. The month is defined by Sawm (fasting), one of the five pillars of Islam, where practitioners abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset to cultivate piety and God-consciousness.

Dates and Methodology

Determining the start of Ramadan 2026 is complex due to a divergence between astronomical calculations and traditional sightings.

• North America and Europe: The Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) and the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) have officially announced that Ramadan will begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, based on astronomical calculations.

• Middle East and Asia: Many other regions, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkey, Singapore, and Oman, expect the month to begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026. This is because the moon is projected to set before or very shortly after the sun on February 17, making a physical sighting nearly impossible.

• Astronomical Context: A rare annular solar eclipse will occur on February 17, 2026, which scientists use to confirm the moon's position at the moment of conjunction.

Fasting and Spiritual Observance

Daily life during Ramadan is governed by the prayer timetable, starting with the pre-dawn meal (Suhoor) and ending at sunset with Iftar.

• Fasting Durations: Because Ramadan occurs in late winter for the Northern Hemisphere, fasting hours will be moderate, ranging from approximately 11.5 to 15.5 hours globally. For example, London will see an 11-hour fast, while Christchurch, New Zealand, will experience over 15 hours.

• Taraweeh and Laylat al-Qadr: Nights are marked by Taraweeh congregational prayers. The spiritual climax occurs during the last ten nights, particularly Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), which is expected to fall on the evening of March 16, 2026 (the 27th night).

Community and Economic Impact

Ramadan 2026 will trigger major adjustments in public and economic life, particularly in Muslim-majority nations.

• Labor and Governance: Countries like the UAE, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia mandate reduced working hours for both public and private sectors to accommodate those fasting.

• Charity (Zakat): Charity is essential, with Zakat al-Fitr (a mandatory year-end donation) set at approximately AED 25 in the UAE and a recommended $10 in the United States.

• Public Events: Cities like Dubai have planned extensive cultural programs, including drone shows, street food festivals, and "Ramadan Wonders Markets".

Conclusion: Eid al-Fitr

The month will conclude with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which is expected to fall on Friday, March 20, 2026, or Saturday, March 21, 2026, depending on the length of the month (29 or 30 days) and the sighting of the new crescent for the month of Shawwal.

AI tools were used in the translation.

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