Ramadan (رمضان) is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. It's the only month mentioned by name in the Quran. Of the 2 billion Muslims worldwide, 93% fast during this blessed month (Pew Research Center, 2013).
Whether you've been practising your whole life or you're discovering Islam for the first time, this guide covers everything you need. Ramadan 2026 dates, fasting rules, special prayers, Quran reading and science-backed health benefits.
Key Points
- Ramadan 2026 begins on 19 February and ends on 19 March 2026 (29 days)
- Fasting hours vary by location: from 12h01 in London to 15h22 in Christchurch (Jakarta Globe, 2026)
- 76% of Muslims plan to pray Tarawih in congregation in 2025 (CrescentRating)
- A review of 20 scientific studies shows reduced stress in 85.7% of cases (Springer Nature, 2025)
What Is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri (هجري) calendar. Allah ﷻ made it obligatory in the Quran: "O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you." (Quran, 2:183). It is the third pillar of Islam, and it marks the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Why Is Ramadan Sacred?
The name "Ramadan" comes from the Arabic ramad (رمض), meaning "scorching heat." Scholars say it refers to the spiritual heat that burns away sins. It's also the month when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ received the first revelation, in the Cave of Hira.
The Quran describes this month: "The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was revealed, a guide for mankind." (Quran, 2:185).
Today, 97% of Muslims take part in Ramadan practices in some form (TGM Research, 2024). Observance is not declining. It's growing.
When Does Ramadan 2026 Start?
Ramadan 2026 began on 19 February 2026 and ends on 19 March 2026, making it a 29-day fast. The start was confirmed on 18 February 2026 with the sighting of the crescent moon (Al Jazeera, 2026).
How Are the Dates Determined?
Ramadan follows the lunar calendar. Each Islamic month begins with the sighting of the crescent moon (هلال - hilal). Two methods coexist in the Muslim world:
- Direct sighting - the moon is spotted with the naked eye or a telescope
- Astronomical calculation - ephemeris data predicts the moon's appearance with precision
Ramadan moves forward by roughly 11 days each year. In 2026, it falls in winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Days are shorter, which makes it more manageable for new practitioners or older Muslims.
The Rules of Fasting (As-Sawm)
Islamic fasting, called As-Sawm (الصوم) or Siyam (صيام), means abstaining from all food, drink, marital relations and forbidden behaviour from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib). It's obligatory for every Muslim adult who is of sound mind and physically able.
Who Is Exempt from Fasting?
Islam is a religion of mercy. Several groups are excused from fasting:
- Pre-pubescent children - though they can practise gradually
- People who are ill - if fasting would worsen their condition
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women - if they fear harm to themselves or their child
- Travellers (under the conditions of qasr) - see our guide on praying while traveling
- Elderly people who are physically unable to fast
In these cases, a person may break the fast and make it up later (qada'), or pay a fidya (expiation). Scholars differ on the details. Consult an imam for your specific situation.
What Breaks the Fast?
Four acts invalidate the fast if done deliberately and consciously: eating, drinking, sexual intercourse and self-induced vomiting. Rinsing your mouth, swallowing your own saliva, or breathing in scents does not break the fast, according to the majority of scholars.
How Many Hours Is the Ramadan Fast?
The duration depends on where you are in the world. In 2026, Ramadan falls in February and March. Days are shorter in the Northern Hemisphere than in summer. According to the Jakarta Globe, fasting hours range from 12h01 in London to 15h22 in Christchurch (Jakarta Globe, 2026).
Suhoor (سحور) and Iftar (إفطار)
- Suhoor - the pre-dawn meal eaten before Fajr. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "Eat the suhoor, for there is blessing in it." (Bukhari, Muslim)
- Iftar - breaking the fast at Maghrib. The Sunnah is to break with dates (tamr) and water, as the Prophet ﷺ used to do
The Muslim Expert app gives you precise Suhoor and Iftar times for your city, with customisable alerts.
For Muslims living at high latitudes during summer, see our article on prayer times during long summer days.
Health Benefits of Fasting
Ramadan fasting isn't only a spiritual obligation. Science confirms its positive effects on the body and mind. A systematic review of 20 studies published in Discover Psychology (Springer Nature) found that Ramadan fasting reduced stress symptoms in 85.7% of studies, depression in 72.7%, and anxiety in 66.6% (Springer Nature, 2025).
Autophagy: The Body's Cellular Clean-Up
A controlled study on 50 healthy subjects (PMC/PubMed, 2025) shows that 30 days of Ramadan fasting triggers significant upregulation of autophagy genes (Beclin-1) in blood cells. Autophagy is the natural mechanism by which your cells break down and recycle their own damaged components. Yoshinori Ohsumi received the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2016 for this discovery.
Fasting is not a diet. It's a spiritual discipline that produces measurable biological effects. That said, every medical situation is different. Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns about your ability to fast.
Ramadan Prayers
Ramadan is above all a month of intense prayer. Beyond the five daily prayers, two special prayers define this month.
Tarawih (تراويح): The Night Prayer of Ramadan
Tarawih (plural of tarwiha, meaning "moment of rest") is a voluntary prayer. It's performed after the Isha prayer (night prayer) every night throughout Ramadan. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever prays during the nights of Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping for reward, his previous sins will be forgiven." (Bukhari, Muslim).
Today, 76% of Muslims plan to pray Tarawih in congregation at the mosque, up from just 51% in 2022 (CrescentRating / Muslim Ad Network, 2025).
Tarawih can be prayed in 8, 11 or 20 rak'ahs (prayer units). Scholars differ on the ideal number. There's no definitive consensus. Follow your community or ask a trusted imam.
Witr: The Closing Prayer
Witr (الوتر) closes the Tarawih with an odd number of rak'ahs (1, 3, 5, 7 or 9). It's highly recommended. Some scholars consider it obligatory.
Tahajjud: The Final Third of the Night
During Ramadan, many people use the Suhoor time to also pray Tahajjud (تهجد), the voluntary night prayer. Allah ﷻ descends (nuzul) to the lowest heaven in the last third of the night. That's the time when supplications are most likely to be accepted, according to a hadith of the Prophet ﷺ (Bukhari, Muslim).
Spirituality and Reading the Quran
The Quran was revealed during Ramadan. This makes it the ideal month to study and recite it. 87% of Muslims plan to recite the Quran during Ramadan, up sharply from 57% in 2022 (Muslim Ad Network, 2025).
How to Complete the Quran in One Month
The Quran has 30 juz' (جزء - parts). By reading one juz' each day, you finish the entire Quran in 30 days. That's roughly 20 pages per day, or about 30 to 45 minutes of reading depending on your pace.
The Muslim Expert app includes the full Quran with 50+ translations and 30 recitations. You can track your reading progress directly in the app.
Laylat al-Qadr: The Night of Power
Laylat al-Qadr (ليلة القدر) is described by Allah ﷻ as "better than a thousand months" (Quran, 97:3). It falls within the last ten nights of Ramadan, most likely on one of the odd nights: the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th. It's the most sacred night of the Islamic year. Intensify your prayers, dhikr and du'a in these final nights.
Zakat, Sadaqa and Generosity
Ramadan is also the month of generosity. Allah ﷻ multiplies the rewards for good deeds. The Prophet ﷺ was "more generous than the blowing wind" during Ramadan (Bukhari).
Zakat al-Fitr
Before the Eid prayer, every Muslim must give Zakat al-Fitr (زكاة الفطر). It's an obligation. It consists of one measure of staple food (roughly 2.5 kg of wheat, rice or equivalent) per person in the household. It purifies the fast and helps poorer families celebrate Eid.
Sadaqa: Voluntary Charity
Beyond the obligatory Zakat, Sadaqa (صدقة) is voluntary charity. 61% of Muslims plan to give Sadaqa during Ramadan 2025 (Muslim Ad Network, 2025). The Prophet ﷺ said: "Charity extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire." (Tirmidhi).
I'tikaf: Spiritual Retreat
The last ten days of Ramadan are the time for I'tikaf (اعتكاف), a retreat to the mosque. The Prophet ﷺ practised I'tikaf every Ramadan (Bukhari). It's a period of withdrawal from worldly life, dedicated entirely to Allah ﷻ.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ramadan
When exactly is Ramadan 2026?
Ramadan 2026 began on 19 February 2026 and ends on 19 March 2026. The start was confirmed by the crescent moon sighting on 18 February. The Eid al-Fitr prayer will take place on 20 March 2026.
Can I brush my teeth during Ramadan?
Yes, you can brush your teeth with toothpaste. The majority of scholars permit tooth-brushing, as long as you don't swallow any toothpaste. Using a miswak (siwak stick) is the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
Does taking medication break the fast?
It depends on how the medication is administered. Oral medication that is swallowed generally breaks the fast. Intramuscular or intravenous injections that have no nutritional value do not break the fast, according to most scholars. For your specific situation, consult both a doctor and an imam.
How do I manage tiredness at work during Ramadan?
Adjust your routine: go to bed earlier, rest during your lunch break instead of eating, and hydrate well at Iftar. Studies show that productivity can be maintained with good sleep management. A 2024 study on shift workers found no significant drop in performance during fasting.
Is my fast valid if I ate by mistake?
Yes. The Prophet ﷺ said: "If someone forgets that he is fasting and eats or drinks, he should complete his fast. It is Allah who fed him and gave him drink." (Bukhari, Muslim). Forgetting doesn't invalidate the fast. Just carry on as normal.
How do I calculate Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr equals one sa' (صاع) of staple food, roughly 2.5 kg or its cash equivalent (the local value of wheat, rice or dates). It's obligatory for every member of the household who can afford it. It must be given before the Eid al-Fitr prayer.
Key Takeaways
Key Points
- Ramadan 2026 runs from 19 February to 19 March 2026 (29 days)
- Fasting is the third pillar of Islam: obligatory for every able adult (Quran, 2:183)
- Hours vary: from 12h01 in London to 15h22 in Christchurch, depending on your latitude
- Fasting reduces stress in 85.7% of scientific studies (Springer Nature, 2025)
- 76% of Muslims plan Tarawih in congregation; 87% plan to recite the Quran
- Ramadan = fasting + prayer + Quran + generosity + the Night of Power
Ramadan is not a burden. It's an annual spiritual training. A month to reset your habits, strengthen your connection with Allah ﷻ and join a community of 2 billion believers across the world.
Use the Muslim Expert app to track your Suhoor and Iftar times, read the Quran, set prayer alerts, and find mosques holding Tarawih near you. Download Muslim Expert for free.
Ramadan Mubarak - رمضان مبارك!
Main sources: Pew Research Center (2013) • TGM Research (2024) • Springer Nature (2025) • PMC/PubMed (2025) • Jakarta Globe (2026) • CrescentRating / Muslim Ad Network (2025)