What is Ramadan? Meaning and significance of the fasting month
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and the holiest month in Islam. During these 29 to 30 days, Muslims worldwide fast from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib). Fasting during Ramadan — called Sawm in Arabic — is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for every healthy adult Muslim.
Ramadan is much more than abstaining from food: it is a time of spiritual reflection, intensive prayer, Quran recitation, and charity. Muslims use this month to deepen their relationship with Allah, break bad habits, and cultivate gratitude for daily blessings.
"The month of Ramadan in which the Quran was revealed, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of guidance, and the criterion of right and wrong." — Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185)
When does Ramadan 2026 start? Dates and duration
Since the Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, Ramadan shifts forward by approximately 10 to 11 days each year in the Gregorian calendar. The beginning is traditionally determined by sighting the crescent moon (Hilal). Our countdown above shows the estimated dates based on astronomical calculations.
Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast), one of the two major Islamic holidays. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on 1 Shawwal and lasts three days in most countries. Many Muslims pay Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid prayer.
Iftar and Suhoor — when to eat and when to fast
The two most important meals during Ramadan are Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (breaking the fast at sunset). Both are based on astronomical prayer times that vary by location and season. This is why a location-based Ramadan calendar like this is essential.
Suhoor — the meal before Fajr
Suhoor is eaten before the Fajr prayer and should be taken as late as possible. The Imsak time in the table above marks the point after which eating and drinking must stop. It is recommended to drink plenty of water and choose nutritious, slow-digesting foods.
Iftar — breaking the fast at sunset
Iftar begins with the Maghrib prayer at sunset. Traditionally, the fast is broken with dates and water, as practiced by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The table above shows the exact Iftar time for each day of Ramadan at your location.
How are Ramadan times calculated?
Iftar and Suhoor times are based on astronomical calculations of the sun's position at your exact location. NamazWorld uses recognized calculation methods such as Diyanet, Muslim World League (MWL), and the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA).
In high-latitude regions (e.g., Scandinavia), fasting hours can be particularly long. In such cases, some scholars recommend following the times of Mecca or the nearest temperate zone.
Laylat al-Qadr — the Night of Decree
The most significant night in Ramadan is Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree). The Quran describes it as "better than a thousand months" (Surah Al-Qadr, 97:3). This is the night when the Quran was first revealed. It falls on one of the odd nights in the last ten days of Ramadan.
"Whoever stands in prayer on the Night of Decree, out of faith and in expectation of reward, their previous sins will be forgiven." — Sahih al-Bukhari
Many Muslims intensify their prayers during the last ten nights and retreat to the mosque (Itikaf). It is common to read more Quran, make supplications (Duas), and give charity during these nights.
5 tips for a healthy and spiritual Ramadan
With a little preparation, you can make the most of Ramadan both physically and spiritually:
- Drink plenty of water during Suhoor and choose fiber-rich foods like oatmeal, whole grain bread, and eggs that keep you full longer.
- Plan your prayer times in advance using the Ramadan calendar above — never miss an Imsak or Iftar time.
- Set a daily Quran goal: many Muslims read the entire Quran during Ramadan, which is about 20 pages per day.
- Avoid overeating at Iftar. Start with dates and water, pray Maghrib, then eat a balanced meal.
- Make the most of the last ten nights — Laylat al-Qadr can fall on any odd night (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th).