Ramadan 2026 Begins Tomorrow: Complete Guide to Fasting Timings, Significance, and Spiritual Observance
As the crescent moon is expected to be sighted marking the beginning of the holy month, Muslims across India and the world are preparing for a month of devotion, discipline, and community.
With the spiritual atmosphere settling in, Ramadan Fasting Starts 2026 is officially confirmed for tomorrow, February 18, 2026. The holy month, known as the ninth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar, is revered as a period of intense prayer, self-reflection, and charity. For the millions of observant Muslims preparing for the first Roza, understanding the precise Suhoor and Iftar timings is essential for a day of successful worship and abstinence.
According to astronomical calculations and moon sighting predictions, the first fast will be observed on Wednesday, February 18, with Eid al-Fitr anticipated around March 20, 2026 . In India, while the first fast begins on the 18th, some regions may officially start from February 19 depending on the local moon sighting, though the 18th remains the widely accepted date for the commencement of fasting .
The Significance: Why Ramadan Matters Now
The Ramadan significance extends far beyond abstaining from food and water. It marks the anniversary of the first revelation of the Holy Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad on the Night of Decree, known as Laylat al-Qadr. Falling in the coolers of February, the fasting hours this year are relatively balanced, ranging from 12 to 14 hours globally, which allows for a slightly easier adjustment for the faithful compared to the long summer days .
Fasting, or Sawm, is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is mandatory for all healthy adults, serving as a practice in patience, self-control, and empathy for the less fortunate. "Ramadan is a time to hit the reset button on your faith," notes a community leader from Delhi's Jama Masjid area. "It is about purifying the soul and strengthening the bond with the community."
Suhoor and Iftar Timings for the First Week
To assist the faithful in planning their daily rituals, here are the key timings for the first week of Ramadan for locations like Ujjain and New Delhi (Timings in IST). The pre-dawn meal (Suhoor) must conclude before the listed Sunrise, while the fast opens at Iftar precisely at Sunset.
| Date | Day | Sunrise (Fast Begins) | Sunset (Iftar Time) |
| 18 February, 2026 | Wednesday | 07:01 AM | 06:20 PM |
| 19 February, 2026 | Thursday | 07:00 AM | 06:20 PM |
| 20 February, 2026 | Friday | 06:59 AM | 06:21 PM |
| 21 February, 2026 | Saturday | 06:58 AM | 06:22 PM |
| 22 February, 2026 | Sunday | 06:58 AM | 06:22 PM |
Rituals and Community Spirit
During Ramadan, the daily routine shifts dramatically. Families wake early for Suhoor, consuming slow-burning foods to maintain energy throughout the day . The day is spent in increased worship, recitation of the Qur'an, and performing the five daily prayers, followed by the special nightly Taraweeh prayers in congregations at mosques.
As the sun sets, the moment of Iftar is a time of immense gratitude. Traditionally, the fast is broken with dates and water, following the Sunnah of the Prophet, before a larger meal. Cities across India, from the bylanes of old Delhi to the streets of Hyderabad, will come alive with food stalls and community gatherings offering delicacies to break the day's fast.
Charity, or Zakat, holds special importance during this month, aiming to ensure that even the less fortunate can partake in the blessings and festivities .
Looking Ahead
As the community welcomes the holy month with "Ramadan Mubarak," the focus remains on spiritual growth. With a balanced fasting schedule and a clear timetable for prayers, Ramadan 2026 offers a profound opportunity for renewal. The final date for Eid ul-Fitr will be confirmed upon the sighting of the Shawwal moon, expected around March 20, 2026 .
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