When is Ramadan?

Ramadan is one of the most important months in the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims around the world as a time of fasting, prayer, reflection and generosity. Because its start date changes each year, many people ask the same question: when is Ramadan?

This guide explains when Ramadan takes place, why the dates vary, what the month represents spiritually, and how communities come together during this sacred time.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar and is a period dedicated to spiritual growth, self-discipline and compassion for others. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib), abstaining from food, drink and other physical needs throughout daylight hours.

Fasting is an act of worship that encourages mindfulness, patience and empathy for those facing hardship. It is accompanied by increased prayer, recitation of the Qur’an, and acts of charity. Those who are ill, pregnant, breastfeeding, travelling, elderly, or menstruating are exempt from fasting, with guidance to make up fasts later or give charitable compensation where appropriate.

At its heart, Ramadan is about strengthening faith, improving character and supporting the wider community.

When does Ramadan start?

Ramadan begins with the sighting of the new moon, which marks the start of a new Islamic month. Because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, Ramadan does not have a fixed date in the Gregorian calendar and moves earlier by around 10 to 11 days each year.

The exact start date can vary slightly between countries and communities depending on local moon sightings or astronomical calculations. For this reason, Muslims often wait for official announcements from religious authorities before beginning the fast.

In 2026, Ramadan began in the evening of Tuesday 17 February and ends in the evening of Thursday 19 March, subject to moon sighting. As always, these dates are provisional.

How long does Ramadan last?

Ramadan lasts either 29 or 30 days, depending on when the next new moon is sighted. Each day follows a rhythm of fasting from dawn until sunset, beginning with a pre-dawn meal (suhoor) and ending with the sunset meal (iftar).

The month concludes with Eid al-Fitr, a celebration marking the end of fasting. Eid is a time of communal prayer, gratitude, generosity and spending time with family and friends.

Why is Ramadan important in Islam?

Ramadan holds deep significance because fasting during this month is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the core acts of worship that form the foundation of a Muslim’s faith. The Five Pillars are:

• Shahada (faith)
• Salah (prayer)
• Zakat (charity)
• Sawm (fasting during Ramadan)
• Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah)

Ramadan is also believed to be the month in which the Qur’an was first revealed. For many Muslims, it is a time of spiritual renewal, increased generosity and a renewed focus on helping those in need.

How Penny Appeal supports communities during Ramadan

Ramadan is a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and collective responsibility. During this month, Penny Appeal works alongside communities to provide vital support, including food, clean water and emergency aid for vulnerable families around the world.

By supporting projects that uphold dignity and relieve hardship, Penny Appeal helps ensure the spirit of Ramadan extends beyond fasting, reaching those who need it most. Whether through learning, sharing or giving, Ramadan is a time to stand together and strengthen our global community.