Getting Ready for Ramadan 2026
Wishing you a blessed Ramadan as it's on the way and hovering over us. So, get ready for Ramadan 2026 from now on, both mentally and spiritually. Many Muslims also start planning their Ramazan Umrah during this sacred month to gain multiplied rewards. But when is Ramadan 2026 expected actually? Well, it's important to know the expected dates of the coming Ramadan to get prepared for its blessings accordingly. Though a one-day variation can occur in the predicted timeline, it gives an idea that the sacred month of Ramadan is approaching. Therefore, here is a complete overview of Ramadan 2026 dates according to both Islamic lunar and Gregorian calendars. This guide also covers the important dates of coming Ramadan for your ease. So, go through it and mark your calendar likewise as a first step towards this blessed journey of experiencing Ramadan.
Ramadan 2026 Expected Dates
Muslim communities are expecting Ramadan 2026 to be on the evening of Wednesday (18th February 2026). Similarly, the evening of Thursday (19th March 2026) is an expected end of the Ramadan month. Well, these dates are largely based on astronomical predictions. It all comes from the understanding of Islamic lunar calendar and the tracking of the movement of moon. And this is also the reason why Ramadan dates keep shifting about 10 to 11 days earlier every year in the Gregorian calendar.
Start of Ramadan 2026
The sighting of the crescent moon defines the start of Ramadan after 29th day of Sha'ban. This way, the crescent of Ramadan is expected to be visible on Tuesday evening (17th February) in 2026. So, the fasting will be commenced at the dawn of Wednesday (18th February).
However, this expected date is largely a prediction because Sha'ban can also complete its 30 days. This way, Ramadan will commence in the following days. But 18th February is still the most likely date for the first of Ramadan 2026.
End of Ramadan 2026
The crescent moon of Shawwal concludes the month of Ramadan every year. It also defines the first day of Eid al-Fitr celebrations ahead. So, the predictions are clearly indicating the crescent of Shawwal moon to be visible on Wednesday evening (18th March). This way, Thursday (19th March 2026) will be the first day of Shawwal and Eid al-Fitr.
Overall, the moon of Ramadan month completes either 29 or 30 days. But the lunar calendar of 2026 is suggesting the complete moon cycle is likely to be of 30 days for Ramadan. Some regions can also have Ramadan 2026 of 30 days which is all because of weather conditions or the moon sighting methods.
Why a one-day variation in dates can occur?
There is a possibility of a one-day variation when it comes to confirming the date of start and end of Ramadan every year. Well, this is because it depends on physical sighting of the crescent moon. So, the weather conditions and location has an influence on the visibility of Halal. Though astronomical predictions are there, the actual moon sighting differs from place to place all because of zone differences and atmospheric conditions. And it's also important to consider that local moon sighting is important in Islam rather than depending on a single global announcement. That's why some Muslim communities begin fasting a day earlier than the others. The same works with the sighting of Shawwal crescent and the ending of Ramadan.
Why the Ramadan dates shift every year?
The Ramadan dates keep changing in terms of Gregorian calendar, but why? Well, this is because all the Islamic rituals and traditions follow lunar cycle which is also known as Islamic calendar. But the lunar cycle falls short of eleven days than the solar cycle. This way, the lunar year mostly has 354 days while the solar year is of 365 days. So, this gap of eleven days brings Ramadan earlier every year in terms of Gregorian calendar. Interestingly, this is the reason why Ramadan keeps moving through all seasons and also takes about thirty-three years to fall on the same dates. It's a natural difference because it follows the moon rather than the sun to measure time.
Ramadan 2026 on Hijri Calendar
The coming Ramadan will fall in 1447 AH which is an Islamic lunar calendar. It's an official calendar that Muslims follow for religious events. So, it will start from 1st of Ramadan 1447 AH. Ramadan-special events like fasting and taraweeh become obligatory from then onwards. Similarly, the month will end on 30th of Ramadan 1447 AH. And the following crescent moon of Shawwal will be the first day of Eid al-Fitr.
Daylight Hours and Fasting Duration
The fasting duration in Ramadan 2026 will be moderate starting from Fajr to Maghrib. This is because of its expected dates and season. For example, the Ramadan month will span the last mid of February and the first mid of March of 2026. It's the time when daylight hours are neither too short nor long for fasting. On average, there will be 12 to 13 hours of fasting each day based on the location.
Key Nights and Dates within Ramadan 2026
The whole month of Ramadan is a blessed time of the year. It's the time when the reward of each good deed becomes manifold. Above that, some special dates and nights are there in Ramadan which are even more significant in terms of reward. So, here is an idea of all these important timelines in Ramadan 2026. Know these to plan your worshipping routine accordingly and multiply your reward many times.
- First Day of Fasting - Wednesday (February 18)
- First Friday Prayer - Friday (February 20)
- 15th Day of Ramadan - Thursday (March 4)
- The Last Ten Nights (I'tikaf Period)
- Beginning of Last Ten Nights - Thursday evening (March 6)
- First Odd Night (19th Night) - Friday evening (March 7)
- 21st Night of Ramadan - Sunday evening (March 9)
- 23rd Night of Ramadan - Tuesday evening (March 11)
- 25th Night of Ramadan - Thursday evening (March 13)
- 27th Night of Ramadan - Saturday evening (March 15)
- 29th Night of Ramadan - Monday evening (March 17)
- Last Friday of Ramadan - Friday (March 14)
- Last Day of Fasting - Wednesday (March 18)
Moon Sighting for Eid - Wednesday evening (March 18)
So, mark all these dates on your calendar in advance. These are the opportunities to get the maximum reward of this holy month. It's important to know all these ahead to get prepared both mentally and spiritually beforehand.
Preparing for Ramadan 2026
The purpose of knowing the expected dates of coming Ramadan is definitely to make preparations ahead. But it involves getting prepared in all terms of mental, physical, spiritual, and financial aspects. Another purpose is mental readiness for such a sacred month even if one isn't ready physically or spiritually. Many pilgrims also begin their planning with the best Islamic travel agency to arrange Umrah or travel services during this blessed time. This way, one can welcome this great month with the right mindset and be able to get the most of it. Here are a few action steps to take now to get prepared for Ramadan 2026.
Work on the consistency or quality of prayers
Fard prayers are important part of our daily routine. Though offering five prayers in a day is a virtuous act, it becomes even more rewarding and meaningful in Ramadan. So, it's the right time to work on your daily prayers and improve them day by day. For that, plan your daily activities around five prayers and don't skip any of these due to worldly tasks. One can also develop the habit of offering Tahajjud or ishraq to boost spirituality.
Increase Quran Recitation
Ramadan is a month of Quran without any doubt. So, set a goal of reciting quran daily from now on to develop a strong connection with it until Ramadan. Even reciting or pondering a few verses daily makes a big difference. Similarly, increase your recitation time gradually to develop a strong habit.
Practice Voluntary Fasting
Voluntary fasting is permissible and even is of great importance in Islam. Specifically, it's the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet that he used to fast on Monday and Thursday. Fasting on 13th, 14th and 15th days of every lunar month is also a rewarding act. Therefore, set a goal of practicing Sunnah fasting each month to get prepared for coming Ramadan physically. You can start with fasting for two or three days per month for ease.
Plan your Ramadan days in advance
Ramadan is a month of taking actions rather than planning to-do things. So, plan your coming Ramadan in advance and start working on your goals from now on. For example, plan each of the four weeks of Ramadan in terms of normal days, Fridays and weekends. Set goals for each specific day. Similarly, plan the last ten days of Ramadan to find Layalt Ul Qadr easily. It's important to plan it right now so that you can develop habits accordingly from today.
Final Words
In conclusion, coming Ramadan will span the second middle of February and first half of March 2026. But the exact dates still depend on local moon sighting and weather conditions. Yet the purpose is to plan the whole month beforehand and maximize its blessings. So, mark your calendar now and start working on your Ramadan goals from today. It's the best way to get the most of this sacred month. May we all have a blessed Ramadan ahead.
