A private gathering hosted by Hirrakhann on February 20, 2026, featuring individuals described as “people we hold closest to our hearts,” coincided with growing anticipation for the start of Ramadan. The event, documented on social media, occurs as Muslims worldwide prepare for the observance of the holy month, expected to begin on either Wednesday, February 18th or Thursday, February 19th, 2026, depending on the sighting of the moon.
The precise commencement of Ramadan is determined by the lunar calendar and varies regionally, a point emphasized by IslamicFinder.org. The organization notes that the expected start date of February 18th is tentative, contingent upon the actual sighting of the new moon of Ramzan 1447H. This lunar-based system means Ramadan shifts approximately ten to eleven days earlier each year, according to Islamicinfocenter.com, necessitating advance planning for individuals, and communities.
Fasting during Ramadan, a central pillar of Islam, involves abstaining from food and drink from dawn until sunset. Musulman.app reports that fasting hours in 2026 will vary significantly by location, ranging from 13-14 hours in the Middle East to 16-18 hours in northern European regions. Daylight saving time adjustments may further impact these durations.
The observance of Ramadan is expected to involve increased prayer and worship, including the special nightly prayers known as Taraweeh. IslamicFinder.org highlights that Ramadan commemorates the initial revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Mohammed. The month is also a time for increased charity and self-discipline.
The expected conclude of Ramadan is Thursday, March 19, 2026, with Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of the fasting month, anticipated on Friday, March 20, 2026, according to IslamicFinder.org. However, as with the start date, the confirmation of Eid al-Fitr is also subject to moon sighting.
Al-habib.info provides a detailed Islamic calendar for 2026, offering a global view of Hijri dates, but the final determination of Ramadan’s dates remains dependent on local moon sightings. The varying start dates across different countries are a recurring feature of the lunar calendar, as noted by Musulman.app, and can lead to regional differences in observance.
