End of Ramadan in 2026
Ramadan is set to conclude after sundown on March 19, 2026, marking the end of a month-long period of fasting and spiritual reflection for Muslims around the world. This significant date is anticipated to culminate in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a festive occasion that begins the evening of the same day.
Ramadan commenced on the evening of February 17, 2026, and during this month, Muslims engage in fasting from dawn until dusk. This fasting includes refraining from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual relations during daylight hours. In New York and New Jersey, for instance, the first day of Ramadan involved approximately 12 hours of fasting, while the last day will see around 13 hours and 20 minutes of fasting.
The fasting period begins with a pre-dawn meal known as suhoor, which is expected to be around 5:30 a.m. on the first day of Ramadan. Conversely, the fast is broken at sunset with a meal called iftar, which is anticipated to occur at 5:35 p.m. on the same day. As Ramadan progresses, the timing for suhoor and iftar shifts, with suhoor on the last day expected at 5:46 a.m. and iftar at 7:06 p.m.
Historically, Ramadan is revered as the month during which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over 1,400 years ago. This sacred month serves as a time for Muslims to deepen their faith, engage in prayer, and perform acts of charity.
At the conclusion of Ramadan, Muslims are required to give a donation known as Zakat al-Fitr, which is intended to ensure that all members of the community can partake in the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. The exact amount and distribution of this donation can vary, but it is a critical aspect of the holiday.
The dates of Ramadan are determined by the lunar calendar, which causes the start and end dates to shift earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar. This variability can lead to differences in observance among communities, as the exact dates may depend on sightings of the crescent moon.
As the end of Ramadan approaches, many Muslims are preparing for the festivities of Eid al-Fitr. However, details regarding the specific customs and celebrations may vary by region and community, reflecting the diverse practices within the global Muslim population. Observers are looking forward to the joyous atmosphere that accompanies this significant holiday.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any specific local events or gatherings planned for Eid al-Fitr in 2026, as communities finalize their arrangements for this important celebration.
