Ramadan 2026: Fasting to Begin February 18, with Varying Durations Worldwide
Muslims around the world are preparing to observe Ramadan, expected to begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, following the sighting of the crescent moon. The holy month, a period of fasting, reflection, and community, will last either 29 or 30 days and culminate in Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
During Ramadan, those observing the fast will abstain from food, drink, smoking, and sexual relations from dawn until dusk. This practice, rooted in a tradition over 1,400 years old, commemorates the month when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The fast is intended to cultivate greater “taqwa,” or consciousness of God.
A Shifting Calendar
Ramadan follows the lunar Hijri calendar, meaning its start date shifts approximately 10 to 12 days earlier each year. This year, the timing falls relatively early in the Gregorian calendar, resulting in shorter fasting hours for many globally compared to months during the summer.
Interestingly, the Islamic calendar’s lunar basis means Ramadan will be observed twice in the year 2030, beginning on January 5 and again on December 26.
Fasting Hours Around the Globe
The length of the daily fast is directly tied to the number of daylight hours, which vary significantly depending on location. For approximately 90 percent of the world’s population in the Northern Hemisphere, fasting hours will be relatively shorter this year, and will continue to decrease until 2031, when Ramadan will coincide with the winter solstice – the shortest day of the year.
Conversely, Muslims living south of the equator will experience longer fasting periods than in previous years.
Currently, those in the Northern Hemisphere can expect fasts lasting approximately 12 to 13 hours on the first day of Ramadan, with the duration gradually increasing throughout the month. Muslims in countries like Chile, New Zealand, and South Africa will initially observe fasts ranging from 14 to 15 hours, though these will also decrease as the month progresses.
Specific fasting times vary by city and are based on local sunrise and sunset times.
The Significance of Ramadan
Ramadan is a time for spiritual discipline and increased devotion. Observant Muslims abstain from physical needs during daylight hours, aiming to cultivate a deeper connection with their faith. The month is also marked by increased charitable giving and community gatherings.
Across the Muslim world, various greetings are exchanged during Ramadan, with “Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem” being the most common, wishing recipients a blessed and generous month, respectively.
