Muslims around the world celebrate Ramadan (Ramazan/Ramzaan/Ramzan) – a holy month dedicated to fasting, prayer and spiritual reflection. The start of the holy month of Ramadan was marked by the sighting of the crescent moon in India on Wednesday. This deeply held tradition dates back centuries and is an event that has deep religious significance.
What does Ramadan mean besides fasting?
Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk; it is also a time of self-discipline, generosity and spiritual reflection. The holy month strengthens the bonds of families and communities as people gather for Sehri (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (meal to break the fast at sunset). These shared moments foster unity, gratitude, and a deeper sense of purpose.
Apart from devotion and discipline, the Ramadan schedule plays a vital role in guiding daily observance. For millions of believers, it serves as more than just a practical timetable – it acts as a framework for maintaining spiritual consistency throughout the month.
The time table ensures that Sehri and Iftar are observed at the correct time and that prayers – including special Taraweeh prayers – are performed accurately. By following this structured routine, Muslims across different regions and cultures remain connected in a shared rhythm of worship even as they observe the fast in their respective time zones.
Sehri and Iftar Timing of Ramadan 2026
Sehri and Iftar times change by a few minutes each day in accordance with the timing of sunrise and sunset. It is different for different cities.
Sehri is the pre-fast meal before sunrise, starting on Thursday. Each day of fasting ends with iftar after sunset.
Sehri and Iftar times change by a few minutes each day in accordance with the timing of sunrise and sunset. It is different for different cities.
Will there be two Ramadans in 2030?
For most nations in the northern hemisphere, the duration of fasting is shorter this year and will continue to decrease until 2031, when Ramadan will include the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, Al Jazeera reported.
For fasting Muslims living south of the equator, the number of hours of fasting will be longer than last year, the report said.
As the lunar year is 11 days shorter than the solar year, Ramadan will be observed twice in 2030 – first on January 5 and then on December 26.
