Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar — a time of fasting, prayer and reflection observed by nearly two billion Muslims worldwide. In 2026 it begins around 17 February (subject to the moon sighting). Here's a clear explainer of what Ramadan is, the fasting rules, and why it matters.
For exact dates and fasting times, see our Ramadan 2026 dates & fasting guide, or the Islamic calendar.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic (Hijri) lunar calendar. Muslims believe it is the month in which the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam — the core acts of Muslim faith.
Because the Islamic calendar is lunar (about 11 days shorter than the solar year), Ramadan moves about 11 days earlier each year, slowly rotating through all the seasons over a ~33-year cycle.
The fasting rules (Sawm)
During Ramadan, observing Muslims fast from dawn to sunset:
- No food or drink (including water) during daylight hours.
- The pre-dawn meal is called Suhoor; the meal that breaks the fast at sunset is Iftar, traditionally started with dates and water.
- Fasting is about more than food — it also means refraining from smoking, bad behaviour, and focusing on prayer, charity and self-discipline.
Because fasting follows local dawn and sunset, the length of the fast varies by location and season — much longer in high-latitude summers than near the equator.
Who is exempt from fasting?
Islam makes clear exceptions. Those not required to fast include:
- Children (before puberty)
- The elderly and the chronically ill
- People who are sick or travelling
- Pregnant, breastfeeding or menstruating women
Missed fasts can often be made up later or offset through charity (fidya), depending on circumstances.
Key nights and the end of Ramadan
- Laylat al-Qadr ("Night of Power") — one of the last ten nights, considered the holiest night of the year, when the Quran's revelation began.
- Eid al-Fitr — the joyful festival that marks the end of Ramadan, beginning the next day with prayers, feasting and charity (Zakat al-Fitr). See Eid al-Fitr explained.
Quick answers
What is Ramadan? The Islamic holy month of fasting from dawn to sunset, commemorating the first revelation of the Quran. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
When is Ramadan 2026? It begins around 17 February 2026, depending on the local moon sighting, and lasts about 29–30 days.
Why does Ramadan change date every year? The Islamic calendar is lunar and about 11 days shorter than the solar year, so Ramadan moves ~11 days earlier each year.
What is eaten during Ramadan? Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (the meal breaking the fast at sunset, traditionally begun with dates).