Ramadan 2026 FAQ: All Your Questions Answered

Dates & Duration

When is Ramadan 2026? Ramadan 2026 starts Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (1 Ramadan 1447 AH) and ends around March 19-20. The exact start depends on moon sighting on February 17. Most countries follow the Umm al-Qura calculated calendar. Full dates, countdown & fasting times →

When does Ramadan 2026 end? The last day of Ramadan 2026 is expected to be March 19 or 20, depending on whether the month is 29 or 30 days. Eid al-Fitr follows immediately on March 20 or 21, 2026. Eid dates & end-of-Ramadan details →

How long is Ramadan 2026? Ramadan lasts either 29 or 30 days. The Shawwal moon is sighted on the 29th evening — if visible, Ramadan is 29 days and Eid is the next day. If not, Ramadan completes 30 days. Duration explained →

How many days until Ramadan 2026? Use our live countdown with week-by-week preparation timeline to see exactly how many days remain and how to prepare spiritually, physically, and financially.

Fasting Times

What time does fasting start? Fasting begins at Fajr (true dawn), typically 60-90 minutes before sunrise. On February 18, Fajr is approximately 5:30-6:30 AM depending on your city. Stop eating 10-15 minutes before Fajr as a precaution. Fajr times by city →

What time do we break fast? You break your fast at Maghrib (sunset). The exact time varies by location and changes daily. On the first day of Ramadan, Maghrib is around 5:15-6:15 PM in most Western cities. Iftar times & breaking-fast guide →

What are the full fasting times? Fasting hours in Ramadan 2026 range from 11-13 hours in the Northern Hemisphere, since the month falls in late winter. Southern cities have slightly shorter fasts than northern ones. Complete suhoor & iftar schedule →

By Country

Ramadan 2026 in USA — Starts February 18. Fasting hours: 11-13 hours. ISNA and Fiqh Council follow calculated dates. City times for New York, LA, Chicago, Houston →

Ramadan 2026 in UK — Starts February 18. Fasting hours: 11-13 hours. All of Ramadan falls in GMT (clocks change after Eid). City times for London, Birmingham, Manchester →

Ramadan 2026 in Pakistan — Expected February 18 or 19 (Ruet-e-Hilal Committee moon sighting). Fasting hours: 12-13 hours. City times for Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad →

Calendar & Lunar Cycle

Are there two Ramadans in 2026? No — 2026 has one Ramadan. Years with two Ramadans occur roughly every 33 years when the Islamic lunar calendar (354 days) laps the Gregorian solar calendar (365 days). The next double-Ramadan year is 2030. Two Ramadans explained →

Why is Ramadan getting earlier each year? The Islamic calendar is 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. This causes Ramadan to shift backward through the seasons over a 33-year cycle. In 2026 it’s in February; by 2030 it will be in January. Lunar vs solar calendar →

When are the Eid dates in 2026? Eid al-Fitr: March 20-21, 2026 (end of Ramadan). Eid al-Adha: May 27-28, 2026 (during Hajj season). All 2026 Eid dates →

Fasting Rules

Can I kiss my wife during Ramadan? Scholars agree that kissing and physical affection are permitted while fasting, as long as it does not lead to intercourse or ejaculation during fasting hours. This is based on authentic hadith that the Prophet (peace be upon him) would kiss his wives while fasting. Detailed ruling →

Can I eat at 7 PM during Ramadan? You can eat at 7 PM only if Maghrib (sunset) has already passed in your city. In Ramadan 2026, most Northern Hemisphere cities have Maghrib between 5:15–6:30 PM, making 7 PM safe in most locations — but always verify your local prayer times before breaking fast. Full explanation →

What breaks the fast? The fast is broken by intentionally eating, drinking, smoking, or sexual intercourse during fasting hours. Unintentional eating (forgetting), rinsing the mouth, eye drops, and injections that don’t nourish generally do not break the fast according to most scholars. Complete fasting rules →