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Ramadan Begins

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Ramadan for the year 2026 starts on the evening of February 17th lasting 30 days and ending at sundown on March 19. Islamic holidays always begin at sundown and end at sundown the following day/days ending the holiday or festival.


Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year for Muslims, they believe it was during this month that God revealed the first verses of the Quran, Islam's sacred text to Prophet Mohammed. During the entire month of Ramadan, Muslims fast every day from dawn to sunset. It is meant to be a time of spiritual discipline, of deep contemplation of one's relationship with God, extra prayer, increased charity and generosity, and intense study of the Quran. As the Islamic calendar is based around the lunar cycle, the Holy month of Ramadan rotates by approximately ten days each year. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on Feb 17 or 18.

 

Fasting during Ramadan is the fourth of the Five Pillars of Islam. These pillars, or duties, form the basis of how Muslims practice their religion. The Pillars of Islam are:

Shahada: faith in the Islam religion.
Salat: pray five times per day facing the direction of Mecca,
Zakat: a fixed percentage of wealth given to the needy as charity
Sawm: fast during Ramadan, and
Hajj: make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once during one's lifetime.

 
During the holy month, Muslims wake up early to eat a pre-dawn meal called Suhoor and break their fast after sunset with a meal called iftar. Breaking of the fast is usually a communal affair, swapping dishes between community members and hosting/attending community gatherings. It is common for mosques to host large iftars, families come together to share meals and celebrate. Ramadan is a powerful symbol of unity, with Muslims around the world fasting simultaneously while bringing family and friends together. Muslims practice fasting upon reaching puberty. Some people are exempted, such as those who are ill or frail; women who are pregnant, lactating or menstruating; and travelers. The past couple of years have been challenging as families have been isolated and were not able to come together to celebrate.


You can exchange Ramadan greetings by saying “Ramadan Kareem,” which translates into “Have a generous Ramadan,” or “Ramadan Mubarak.”

 

On the last day of Ramadan, which is Eid-al-Fitr, the greeting changes to “Eid Mubarak.”


Eid al-Fitr

At the end of Ramadan, a three-day spiritual celebration known as Eid al-Fitr occurs. During this time, Muslims rejoice in the completion of the fast. Family members and friends gather to share feasts and prayers. During Eid al-Fitr, it is customary to donate to the less fortunate and disadvantaged. During the three days, Muslims attend Eid Prayer on the first day in the morning, and then visit family, friends, neighbours, and the elderly. Feasts are shared with family and friends and small gifts are given. Eid al-Fitr will take place on the evening of March 19th ,2026 to March 22nd ,2026 depending on the sighting of the moon

 

Here are a few common terms used during Ramadan:

  • Suhoor/Sehri – An early meal eaten before sunrise, to provide sustenance for a day of fasting.

  • Iftar – The meal with which the fast is broken at sunset.

  • Zakat – A certain part of your surplus income which is given out as charity.

Children’s Books:

  • Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets: A Muslim Book of Shapes by Hena Khan

  • A Party in Ramadan by Asma Mobin-Uddin

  • Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story by Hena Khan

  • Understanding Islam and the Muslims by The Islamic Foundation

Videos to learn more about Ramadan: