Ramadan 2026: It’s that time of year again when Muslims around the world await the start of the holy month of Ramadan. The ninth month of the Islamic calendar is one of the most auspicious times of the year for Muslims around the world.
During this celebrated period of the month, followers of Islam fast between dawn and sunset, pray for peace and guidance, and give alms in the form of charity or zakat.
When does Ramadan start in India?
The beginning of the month traditionally depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. This year, the first day of Ramadan is expected to be around February 18 or 19.
The sighting of the Moon on February 17 will determine the date of the celebration.
India usually celebrates Ramadan a day after Saudi Arabia. The crescent moon of Ramadan is usually first seen in Saudi Arabia and some parts of India along with some western countries.
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What do Muslims do during Ramadan?
This season forms one of the five pillars of Islam, which also includes the Shahada (profession of faith), Salat (Prayer), Zakat (Almsgiving), Sawm (Fasting) and Hajj (Pilgrimage).
The daily fast of Ramadan involves abstaining from all food and drink – not even a sip of water is allowed – from dawn to sunset, before breaking the fast at a meal known as “iftar” in Arabic.
Muslims eat a pre-dawn meal called “suhoor” to hydrate and nourish their bodies before the daily fast.
Muslims typically flock to mosques for communal prayers and spend more time in religious contemplation and reading the Koran, the Muslim holy book.
Who is exempt from fasting?
There are some exceptions, such as for those who cannot due to illness or travel. Those who cannot fast due to temporary illness or travel must make up the missed days of fasting at a later date.
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When is Eid ul-Fitr?
Eid ul-Fitr is the “festival of breaking the fast”. It marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, in which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk after the moon has been sighted.
Eid ul-Fitr lasts for one day and is expected to take place on either Thursday March 19 or Friday March 20, depending on the sighting of the moon.
In the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Fitr takes place on the first day of Shawwal. Eid prayers are held on this day and fasting is prohibited.
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Ramadan 2026: Using binoculars to look at the moon can cause eye damage
The International Astronomical Center (IAC) has warned against using binoculars to observe the planned sighting of the Ramadan crescent in 1447 AH.
They strongly caution against attempting to view the moon with binoculars or binoculars on Tuesday, February 17, saying that the extreme proximity to the sun not only makes viewing impossible, but is dangerously dangerous.
According to the IAC, the angular distance between the Sun and the Moon at sunset across much of the Arabian Peninsula will be minimal – just one degree in cities like Riyadh.
The IAC said that as a practical matter, this would place the thin crescent, if it existed, less than half a degree from the edge of the Sun. Watching could inadvertently catch blinding sunlight, cause permanent eye damage, and damage optical instruments.