Ramazan 2026: Devotion & Unity Across Pakistan, India & Beyond
Muslims across the globe commenced observing the holy month of Ramadan on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, marked by increased worship, religious reflection, and charitable giving. While the spirit of the month resonated in communities from Indonesia to Africa, the observance unfolded under vastly different circumstances, particularly for Palestinians in Gaza facing a fragile ceasefire.
In Gaza City, preparations for Ramadan are taking place amidst widespread destruction following ongoing conflict. Calligrapher Hani Dahman was observed creating artwork welcoming the month, with children gathering to watch, as reported by the Associated Press. Worshippers gathered for evening Tarawih prayers at the Alkanz Mosque and the Great Omari Mosque, both of which sustained damage during the recent Israel-Hamas war. Despite the hardship, Palestinians marked the start of Ramadan with celebrations, though the festive atmosphere is diminished by the ongoing situation.
The observance of Ramadan is not limited to regions experiencing conflict. In Pakistan, preparations are underway with volunteers distributing iftar meals and preparing food at shrines like Data Darbar in Lahore. People gathered at mosques in cities like Rawalpindi and Karachi to break their fast on the first day of the month. Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi affirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, stating that the country’s position is fully aligned with that of the Palestinians, according to a statement released Sunday. Ashrafi as well indicated Pakistan will continue to represent Palestinian interests alongside other Islamic nations.
Across the Muslim world, the month of Ramadan is being observed with devotion. In New Delhi, India, Muslim families prepared to break their fast at the Jama Masjid. In Dakar, Senegal, worshippers filled the Grand Mosque, and in Jakarta, Indonesia, Muslims attended the first Friday prayers of Ramadan at the Istiqlal Mosque. In Baghdad, Iraq, bakers worked to prepare traditional Ramadan breads.
The situation in Jerusalem and the West Bank presents a stark contrast. Reuters images show Israeli border police directing women queuing at a checkpoint as Palestinians made their way to the Al-Aqsa compound for Friday prayers. In the Balata camp for Palestinian refugees near Nablus, a vendor sold balloons and toys, a small attempt at normalcy amidst ongoing occupation.
Pakistan has called for urgent relief to Palestinians ahead of Ramadan, according to a statement from the Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch. The call came following an Extraordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation held in Jeddah. Pakistan’s stance on the Palestinian issue remains firm, and the country does not recognize the State of Israel, a position rooted in its historical support for a Palestinian state, as outlined in Wikipedia documentation of Pakistan-Palestine relations.
The Palestinian Authority maintains an embassy in Islamabad, reflecting the close relationship between the two nations. Pakistan currently hosts between 40,000 and 50,000 Palestinian migrants, many of whom are students at Pakistani universities.