When Does Ramadan 2026 Start?

Expected Start Date: Wednesday, 18th February 2026

Islamic Date: 1st Ramadan 1447 AH

Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on Wednesday, 18th February 2026, with the first Taraweeh prayers held on Tuesday evening, 17th February. The month will last either 29 or 30 days, with Eid al-Fitr expected on Friday, 20th March 2026.

Note: Islamic months begin with the sighting of the new crescent moon. The exact start date may vary by one day depending on moon sighting in your region. Always confirm with your local mosque or Islamic authority as the date approaches.

Why Count Down to Ramadan?

The Companions of the Prophet ﷺ didn't simply wait for Ramadan to arrive—they actively prepared for it. Some would make du'a six months before Ramadan, asking Allah to allow them to witness the blessed month. Then they would spend the next six months thanking Allah for the Ramadan they had experienced.

Counting down to Ramadan serves several purposes:

• Build anticipation – Excitement and eagerness for worship
• Create accountability – A deadline for spiritual preparation
• Allow planning – Time to arrange practical matters
• Prevent complacency – Remind yourself not to take Ramadan for granted

Remember: the Prophet ﷺ said, "When the month of Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained." (Bukhari) This is an opportunity you cannot afford to waste.

Complete Ramadan 2026 Preparation Checklist

Spiritual Preparation (Start Now)

• Make up missed fasts – If you have outstanding fasts from previous Ramadans, prioritise completing them before the new Ramadan begins
• Increase Quran recitation – Build momentum by reading more Quran now. Set a daily target and gradually increase it
• Establish tahajjud – Start waking for night prayers, even if brief, to prepare for long Taraweeh nights
• Practice voluntary fasting – Fast Mondays and Thursdays during Sha'ban (the month before Ramadan)
• Seek forgiveness – Repent sincerely and seek to enter Ramadan with a clean slate
• Mend relationships – Reconcile with anyone you've had disputes with
• Set specific goals – What do you want to achieve this Ramadan? Write it down

Practical Preparation (2-4 Weeks Before)

• Calculate your Zakat – Know exactly what you owe before Ramadan begins
• Plan your charity – Budget for Ramadan giving, Zakat, and Zakat al-Fitr
• Meal planning – Prepare suhoor and iftar menus to avoid last-minute stress
• Stock up essentials – Dates, staple foods, and household necessities
• Clear your schedule – Reduce unnecessary commitments during Ramadan
• Inform work/school – Let colleagues know about your fasting schedule

Physical Preparation (1-2 Weeks Before)

• Adjust sleep schedule – Gradually shift to earlier bedtimes and practice waking for suhoor
• Reduce caffeine – Cut back on tea, coffee, and caffeinated drinks to avoid withdrawal headaches
• Eat healthier – Clean up your diet so your body adjusts more easily to fasting
• Exercise routine – Establish a sustainable exercise pattern that works with fasting
• Medical check-up – If you have health conditions, consult your doctor about fasting safely

Ramadan 2026 Key Dates Calendar

The Month Before Ramadan: Sha'ban

Sha'ban is the month immediately preceding Ramadan and holds special significance for preparation. The Prophet ﷺ used to fast extensively during Sha'ban, as narrated by Aisha (RA): "I never saw the Prophet fasting for a whole month except Ramadan, and I never saw him fasting more in any month than in Sha'ban." (Bukhari)

Sha'ban 1447 AH falls approximately in January-February 2026. Use this time to:

• Fast on Mondays and Thursdays, or more if able
• Increase your dhikr and Quran recitation
• Make sincere du'a to reach Ramadan
• Begin adjusting your schedule and habits

Setting Ramadan Goals

Enter Ramadan with clear, achievable goals. Vague intentions lead to wasted opportunities. Consider goals in these categories:

Quran

• Complete one full recitation (khatm)
• Memorise a new surah
• Read tafsir of specific passages
• Reflect deeply on what you read

Prayer

• Pray all five prayers at their earliest time
• Attend Taraweeh every night
• Add voluntary prayers (nawafil)
• Pray tahajjud in the Last 10 Nights

Charity

• Give sadaqah daily, even if small
• Pay Zakat during Ramadan for multiplied reward
• Support iftar programs for those in need
• Pay Zakat al-Fitr before Eid

Character

• Control your anger and speech
• Be patient with family and colleagues
• Perform acts of kindness
• Avoid backbiting and gossip

Don't Take Ramadan for Granted

Many who witnessed last Ramadan are no longer with us. Many who are ill wish they could fast. Many who are poor wish they had food to break their fast with. If Allah grants you another Ramadan, treat it as the precious gift it is.

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before your busyness, and your life before your death." (Hakim)

Ramadan 2026 is approaching. The question is: will you be ready?

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Ramadan 2026 start?

Ramadan 2026 is expected to start on Wednesday, 18th February 2026 (1st Ramadan 1447 AH). The first Taraweeh prayers will be on Tuesday evening, 17th February. Exact dates depend on moon sighting.

How long is Ramadan 2026?

Ramadan 2026 will be either 29 or 30 days, depending on moon sighting. It is expected to end on Thursday, 19th March 2026, with Eid al-Fitr on Friday, 20th March 2026.

When should I start preparing for Ramadan?

Start spiritual preparation now—the Companions prepared months in advance. Practical preparation (meal planning, Zakat calculation) should begin 2-4 weeks before. Physical preparation (sleep adjustment, caffeine reduction) 1-2 weeks before.

What should I do before Ramadan starts?

Make up any missed fasts, increase Quran reading, practice voluntary fasting, calculate Zakat, plan meals, adjust your sleep schedule, reduce caffeine, and set specific spiritual goals for the month.

When are the Last 10 Nights of Ramadan 2026?

The Last 10 Nights begin on Monday, 9th March 2026 (21st Ramadan). Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power) falls on one of the odd nights—21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th Ramadan.

What fasts should I make up before Ramadan?

Any obligatory fasts missed from previous Ramadans should ideally be made up before the new Ramadan begins. This includes fasts missed due to illness, travel, menstruation, or other valid reasons.