Ramadan

Ramadan History

Ramadan (Arabic: رمضان‎ ) is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. It is said God decreed this entire month holy for Muslims so that they can increase their remembrance of life after death. Muslims also abstain from all bad deeds and habits, like smoking, swearing, backbiting, and disrespectfulness. Muslims reflect upon themselves, their religion, and the characteristics of God.

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and as such, it is obligatory for Muslims. Fasting and abstaining from bad habits allow Muslims to learn self-control, humility, and generosity. Unlike the fast of Ashurah, the fasts of Ramadan are declared mandatory by God because like salah (praying towards Mecca), fasting helps Muslims maintain spiritual and physical health.

The start date of Ramadan is based on a Lunar observance of the a new Moon over Mecca (Saudi Arabia). As such the start of Ramadan may vary by a day from country to country. Date shown is for US. This exact date is open for interpretation and often not confirmed till a few months before.

Top 10 Facts for Ramadan (Begins) in 2026

• The upcoming observance of Ramadan in 2026 is marked by a rare astronomical event on February 17, when an annular solar eclipse—often called a "Ring of Fire"—will occur over Antarctica, coinciding with the expected start of the month and prompting specialized safety warnings for those attempting the traditional moon sighting.
• The most sacred night of the month, Laylat al-Qadr, is expected to fall on or around March 15, 2026, and is widely observed as the "Night of Power" because it commemorates the initial revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad.
• High-profile humanitarian efforts for the season include the Edge of Life campaign launched in the UAE, which aims to provide life-saving nutritional support to five million children facing malnutrition globally.
• In the world of entertainment, fans are anticipating the return of several high-stakes musalsalat, most notably the spy-themed comedy El-Nos El-Tany and the high-octane romance drama Wa Nensa Elli Kan starring Yasmine Abdel Aziz.
• Qatar is launching a major cultural campaign titled Qatar, Your Home in Ramadan, featuring collaborative musical performances by Qatari singer Fahad Al-Hajjaji and international artist Maher Zain to celebrate themes of peace and unity.
• A unique fitness trend emerging for the 2026 season is the rise of iftar hikes, where groups in the Gulf region trek into mountain and desert landscapes to break their fast together in nature during the cooler winter weather.
• For home aesthetics, interior design trends are shifting toward evocative themes such as Midnight Sky, which utilizes deep navy tones and silver accents, and Desert Sunset, which features warm terracotta and golden hues to create a contemplative atmosphere.
• The historical name of the month itself is derived from the Arabic root ramad, which refers to scorching heat or dryness, a reference to the intense summer conditions in which the month originally fell on the ancient lunar calendar.
• Children in the UAE will celebrate the traditional custom of Haq Al Laila in the lead-up to the month, an event where they dress in heritage clothing and visit neighbors to collect sweets while chanting folk songs about generosity.
• Communal nightly prayers known as Taraweeh involve the recitation of the entire Quran over the course of the month, fostering a strong sense of community and shared devotion within mosques.

In the News and Trending in the US for Ramadan

Top things to do in the US for Ramadan

• The fast is usually broken in a family setting, where traditional foods are served. Most Muslims begin their meal with a few dates and a glass of milk because the Prophet Muhammad used to do the same. The high sugar content of the dates sends energy to weary fasting Muslim, while the fiber in the dates and the protein in the milk fills them up and prevents nausea.
• During Ramadan, Muslims congregate every night in the mosque to pray Taraweeh prayers in congregation. In the United States, in between sets of prayers, the Imam gives a brief sermon and encourages people to give to charity.
• In Islamic countries, the end of the fast is signaled by a loud call to the sunset prayer. Most people eat a small meal, pray at the mosque, and then join their families for a large, festive dinner.