Ramadan 2026: Maghrib Prayer Time & First Day of Fasting in Egypt

The start of Ramadan in Egypt will be on Thursday, February 19, 2026, following the confirmation by the Egyptian Dar Al-Ifta (Islamic Fatwa Authority). This announcement came after the sighting of the crescent moon, or lack thereof, on Tuesday evening, February 17th.

According to an emsakiya (a lunar calendar detailing prayer and fasting times) for 1447 AH (2026 CE) prepared by the National Institute for Astronomical and Geophysical Research, the duration of the fast on the first day of Ramadan will be 13 hours and 2 minutes. Maghrib prayer, marking the end of the fast, is scheduled for 5:47 PM.

Astronomical calculations indicate that Ramadan this year will consist of 29 days. The first day, February 19th, will have the shortest fasting period, at 13 hours and 2 minutes. The longest fasting day will be on the final day, March 19th, with a fasting duration of 13 hours and 52 minutes.

Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, is expected to fall on Friday, March 20, 2026, with prayers in Cairo scheduled for 6:24 AM.

The Dar Al-Ifta stated that its committees across Egypt did not sight the Ramadan crescent moon after sunset on Tuesday, February 17th. Wednesday, February 18th, was designated as the completion of the month of Sha’ban and Thursday, February 19th, was declared the beginning of Ramadan.

Ramadan in Egypt is a time of significant religious observance and community spirit. Fasting hours will vary slightly depending on the city, with sunrise (Sehri) and sunset (Iftar) times differing across the country. Accurate timings for Sehri and Iftar are crucial for those observing the fast, and city-specific calendars are recommended.

Prayer times during Ramadan will also have specific significance. Iftar is observed at the time of Maghrib prayer, and Taraweeh prayers are commonly performed after Isha prayer.

The IslamicFinder website provides a detailed Ramadan calendar for Egypt, offering fasting times for various cities including Cairo, Alexandria, Giza, and Mansoura. The Aladhan website also provides prayer times for Cairo, confirming the start of Ramadan on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as announced by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.

Fasting hours in Egypt typically range from 13 to 14 hours, depending on the date and location. It’s important to note that Daylight Saving Time (DST) policies can impact these timings, so checking a local schedule for the most accurate information is advised. The Egyptian calculation method is commonly used, although mosque schedules may vary slightly.