RAMANDAN: The Muslim's Holiest Month

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Introduction

Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting (sawm), prayer, reflection, and community. It commemorates the month in which the Qur'an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. 

Date

The timing of Ramadan shifts about 10–12 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar because it follows the lunar cycle. Expected Start on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The first full day of fasting is expected to be Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Expected End at the evening of Wednesday, March 18 or Thursday, March 19, 2026, depending on the moon sighting, and at the same day, Eid al-Fitr, this festival marks the end of Ramadan and is expected around March 19, 2026. 

Main Practice

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is obligatory for all healthy adult Muslims. From dawn until sunset, observers abstain from all food, drink (including water), smoking, and sexual relations(The Fast), The Daily Meals during the period are: Suhur, a pre-dawn meal eaten before the first light of day and Iftar, the sunset meal that breaks the fast, traditionally started with dates and water.

Beyond fasting, Muslims increase their devotion through: Tarawih, a special nightly communal prayers held at mosques. Many aim to read the entire Qur'an during the month. And, charity, an increased giving (Zakat and Sadaqah) is highly encouraged to support those in need.

Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Power) is observed during the last ten nights of Ramadan, this is considered the holiest night of the year, commemorating the revelation of the Qur'an. 

Exemptions

According to the Islamic Relief Worldwide guide, several groups are exempt from fasting if it poses a risk to their health, including: Children who have not reached puberty, individuals who are ill or have, chronic health conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and travelers and women during Those who cannot fast often make up the days later or provide Fidya (compensation) by feeding someone in need.  menstruation. 

Reference

Attar, E. (2020, April 22). Why Ramadan Is the Most Sacred Month in Islamic Culture. National Geographic. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/ramadan

‌https://www.hrf.org.uk/media-centre/blog/when-is-ramadan-2026/

Ramadan Timetable 2026. (2026, February 14). Islamic Relief Worldwide. https://islamic-relief.org/giving/islamic-giving/ramadan/ramadan-timetable/

‌What is Ramadan? (n.d.). Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research. https://yaqeeninstitute.org/what-islam-says-about/ramadan

‌Everything You Need to Know About Ramadan. (n.d.). PCRF. https://www.pcrf.net/information-you-should-know/everything-you-need-to-know-about-ramadan.html

‌Islamic Networks Group. (2022). Ramadan Information Sheet. Islamic Networks Group (ING). https://ing.org/resources/for-all-groups/calendar-of-important-islamic-dates/ramadan-information-sheet/

‌Chughtai, A. (2025, March 4). A simple illustrated guide to Ramadan, answers to 10 common questions. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/4/a-simple-illustrated-guide-to-ramadan-answers-to-10-common-questions

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