Ramadan

Ramadan History

Ramadan celebrates Muslims across the globe and encourages the participation of a month-long fast. The basic purpose of this observance is to strengthen one's relationship with Allah (God) through self-discipline, increased religious devotion and meditation. It is also a time of charity, compassion, and community. During the period of fast, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. It is also a time for purification, seeking forgiveness and ensuring the purity of thought and actions.

Ramadan observance has a significant history that dates back to 610 AD when the Islamic prophet, Muhammad, first received revelations from Allah. For Muslims in Germany, this observance is a way of connecting with their religious roots and the global Muslim community. They can participate by showing solidarity, understanding, respect, and support towards their fellow Muslim friends, neighbors, and coworkers. The education about Ramadan observance in Germany can also contribute to a more comfortable and harmonious multicultural milieu within the society.

In Germany, the observance of Ramadan follows the same pattern as in other parts of the world. One key aspect is the 'Iftar', the breaking of the fast each day after sunset. Many Muslims invite friends, neighbors and colleagues to join in the meal, extending the spirit of camaraderie. Special prayers called 'Taraweeh' are also performed in mosques across the country. The observance starts at the sighting of the new moon, the dates for which can vary each year due to the lunar Islamic calendar. As such, there is no fixed date in the Gregorian calendar for the commencement or conclusion of Ramadan.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 Ramadan (Begins) in Germany

• In 2026, the start of Ramadan is expected to coincide with Ash Wednesday, marking a rare and symbolic overlap of the Islamic and Christian fasting periods that underscores shared spiritual values within German society.
• The city of Frankfurt made history as the first in the country to install official festive street decorations for the month, a tradition that features crescents and stars along the Freßgass and is expected to draw visitors to the city center.
• In the capital, the Halal Food Festival Berlin plans a special Ramadan Rooftop Edition above the rooftops of Wedding, offering a unique sunset view of the TV Tower for the communal breaking of the fast.
• Turkish bakeries in neighborhoods like Berlin-Neukölln or Duisburg-Marxloh see a massive surge in demand for Ramazan Pidesi, a traditional soft flatbread that is specifically baked and sold fresh shortly before sunset.
• The Zentralmoschee Köln, known for its modern and transparent architecture, serves as a major cultural hub for Iftar encounters where people of all faiths are often invited to share a meal and engage in dialogue.
• In the legal and educational sphere, there is ongoing public discussion regarding the VBE (Verband Bildung und Erziehung) and their recommendations for schools to manage exam schedules and physical education for fasting students during the shorter winter days.
• The One Nation Ramadan-Bazar in Wachtberg has established itself as a significant cultural marketplace where local artisans and small businesses present traditional clothing, handmade gifts, and oriental spices.
• Because the 2026 observance falls during the late winter, Muslims in Germany will experience significantly shorter fasting hours compared to previous summer cycles, though early morning temperatures often require a shift toward warm, energy-dense meals like Mercimek Çorbası.
• Public interest often turns toward the specific rules of sighting the moon, as many communities in Germany follow the astronomical calculations of the DITIB or the European Council for Fatwa and Research to plan their schedules in advance.
• Organizations like the Koordinationsrat der Muslime (KRM) are working to provide unified guidance for workplaces on establishing dedicated prayer rooms and flexible "Home Office" arrangements to accommodate the daily rhythm of Suhoor and Iftar.

In the News and Trending in Germany for Ramadan

Top things to do in Germany 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.
• Ramadan Festival in Berlin: This festival promotes interfaith dialogue and understanding by offering a variety of cultural and culinary events. It offers non-Muslims a platform to learn about Ramadan and the culture of Muslim-majority countries.
• Read a books to learn more about Ramadan in Germany:
  Islam in Germany - by Steffen Wippel
  Being Muslim in Central Europe: Ethno-nationalism, Migration, and Anti-Islamic Sentiment in Hungary and Germany - by Kirsten Wesselhoeft
  Mosques in Germany: Muslims and Islam in Germany - by Allatkhan A. Khamagaev