Ramadan

Ramadan History

Ramadan is a month long celebration of fasting, reflection, and community. Central to this observance is the guiding principle of self-discipline; Muslims around the world abstain from food and drink from dawn to dusk, focusing instead on prayer, charity, and spiritual self-reflection. This annual ritual serves as a reminder of the less fortunate and strives to encourage unity, compassion, and the purification of the mind, body, and soul. Therefore, Ramadan is a crucial time of giving, fellowship, and self-restraint in the Islamic religion.

The practice of Ramadan has roots dating back to the time of Prophet Muhammad and plays a significant role in Islam. In The Netherlands, a sizable Muslim community upholds this tradition each year. The country’s accommodation for the observance of Ramadan reflects its commitment to cultural diversity and religious freedom, emphasizing the importance of tolerance and mutual respect. Muslims in The Netherlands, like their counterparts worldwide, observe Ramadan as a sacred time of dedication to both their faith and their community.

In The Netherlands, the observance of Ramadan mirrors the global Islamic traditions whilst considering local circumstances. Participants fast during daylight hours, breaking their fast with an evening meal known as Iftar. Time differences are taken into account, with the beginning and end of Ramadan determined by the sighting of the new moon.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 Ramadan (Begins) in Netherlands

• Since the upcoming observance of Ramadan in 2026 falls during the winter, residents in the Netherlands will experience significantly shorter fasting days compared to the summer months, with sunset occurring as early as 6:00 PM in February.
• Cultural enthusiasts often look forward to the Ramadan Conference, a unique Dutch theatrical tradition featuring comedians like Anuar and Jörgen Raymann who provide a humorous perspective on the fasting month.
• In Rotterdam, a popular and unique way to break the fast is by attending the Iftar Boot, where participants gather on a boat for a communal meal while sailing through the city's harbor.
• Many Dutch municipalities and organizations host an Open Iftar, inviting both Muslims and non-Muslims to share a meal and engage in interfaith dialogue to foster community cohesion.
• The concluding celebration, often referred to in the Netherlands as the Suikerfeest, sees a massive surge in the demand for traditional sweets and pastries at local bakeries and mainstream supermarkets like Albert Heijn.
• During the final ten days of the month, the focus intensifies on Laylat al-Qadr, or the Night of Power, which is considered the most spiritual night of the year and often involves overnight vigils in mosques across the country.
• Many Dutch workplaces and schools now increasingly offer specific accommodations, such as designated prayer rooms or flexible hours, to support those observing the fast while maintaining their professional and academic responsibilities.
• The availability of halal products in the Netherlands continues to expand, with specialized brands like Pure Ingredients frequently launching new convenience products to cater to busy families during the evening meal.
• For families with young children, the educational book Op zoek naar de Ramadan maan has become a popular resource for explaining the lunar phases and the significance of the crescent moon in the Dutch context.
• Amsterdam continues the tradition of the Ramadan Boat, an evening event where participants can enjoy a communal meal while cruising the city's canals to celebrate the spirit of togetherness.

In the News and Trending in Netherlands for Ramadan

Top things to do in Netherlands 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.
• Attend Sugar City Events: Located in Halfweg, SugarCity Events often arrangement activities during Ramadan like food markets, concerts, and other entertainment events.
• Read a book to learn more about Ramadan in The Netherlands:
  Dutch Culture in a European Perspective - This book offers a detailed look into the various facets of Dutch culture or cultural practices, including the observance of Ramadan.
  Encyclopedia of Contemporary Dutch Culture - While not entirely about Ramadan, this comprehensive guide offers useful insights about how Dutch society celebrates cultural and religious festivals, including Ramadan.
  Living Islam: Muslim Religious Experience in Pakistan's North-West Frontier - This book offers a comparative approach for understanding different practices within Islam, including Dutch Muslims' observance of Ramadan.