One Ummah News - 19 Nov 2025
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and one of the most sacred periods in Islam. It commemorates the revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammadﷺ by Allahﷻ through the Angel Jibreel. During this blessed month, Muslims worldwide engage in fasting (Sawm), from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food and drink, whilst avoiding any negative actions or sins.
Beyond the physical actions, Ramadan is a time of profound spiritual reflection, and increased devotion and worship to our Rabb. It is an opportunity for the Ummah to purify our souls, refocus our attention to Allahﷻ, practice self-discipline, and strengthen our connection with the Qur’an. The holy month of Ramadan demands our compassion, generosity, and kindness, reminding believers of those less fortunate and the importance of charity (Zakat and Sadaqah).
Ramadan holds immense significance in Islam as it is one of the Five Pillars of the faith. Fasting during this month is obligatory (Fard) for all Muslims who are physically and mentally able to do so. The importance of Ramadan is emphasised throughout Islamic teachings:
Spiritual Growth: Ramadan offers a unique opportunity for spiritual renewal and increased worship, with rewards for good deeds multiplied beyond our imagination throughout this month.
Qur’an Revelation: The sacred month of Ramadan commemorates the revelation of our holy book, our roadmap to life in the Dunya. Time should be made for increased Qur’an recitation and reflection.
Laylat al-Qadr: One of the most powerful nights in the Islamic calendar, the Night of Power, falls within the last ten days of Ramadan and is described in the Qur’an as being "better than a thousand months."
Community Unity: Ramadan brings the global Muslim community (Ummah) together in shared worship, fostering a sense of brotherhood and solidarity across cultures and nations.
Self-Discipline: The practice of fasting teaches self-control, patience, and empathy for those who experience hunger and hardship throughout the year.
Understanding the Ramadan 2026 date is crucial for several practical and spiritual reasons. Muslims need to prepare both mentally and physically for the demands of the month of Ramadan, and without proper preparation, we risk setting ourselves up to miss out on most of the blessings on offer:
Spiritual Preparation: Knowing the dates allows Muslims to prepare spiritually by increasing worship in the preceding month of Sha'ban and setting personal goals for Ramadan.
Practical Planning: Families need to organise their schedules, arrange work commitments, plan meals for Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (fast-breaking meal), and coordinate community activities.
Travel Arrangements: Many Muslims travel to visit family or perform Umrah during Ramadan, requiring advance booking and planning.
Charitable Giving: Organisations and individuals prepare their Zakat and Sadaqah distributions to reach those in need before and during Ramadan.
Community Coordination: Mosques and Islamic centres organise Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers, lectures, and Iftar gatherings that require advance planning.
Workplace Accommodations: Knowing the dates helps Muslims communicate with employers about potential schedule adjustments during the fasting period.
Predicted Start and End Dates for Ramadan 2026: Based on astronomical calculations and predictions from various worldwide Islamic authorities, the Ramadan 2026 start date (1447 AH in the Islamic Hijri calendar) is expected to be the evening of Tuesday, 17th February 2026. If that is the case, then the first day of fasting would be Wednesday, 18th February 2026.
The month of Ramadan will last either 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar cycle. The joyous celebration of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, is expected to fall on either Thursday, 19th March 2026, or Friday, 20th March 2026.
Moon Sighting and Calculation Process: The Islamic calendar is lunar-based, with each month beginning with the sighting of the new crescent moon (hilal). This tradition dates back to the time of Prophet Muhammadﷺ.
The traditional method of sighting the moon involves trained observers scanning the western horizon shortly after sunset on the 29th day of Sha'ban (the month preceding Ramadan). If the new crescent moon is visible, the next day marks the first day of Ramadan. If the moon is not sighted, the current month is completed with 30 days before the new month begins.
Possible regional variations: One of the unique aspects of the Islamic calendar is that Ramadan may begin on different dates in different countries or regions. This variation is due to several factors:
Moon Visibility Differences: The crescent moon may be visible in some parts of the world but not others due to atmospheric conditions, geographic location, and time zones.
Methodological Differences: Different countries follow different approaches to determining Islamic dates. Some rely solely on local moon sighting, others follow sightings from specific countries, and some use pre-calculated astronomical calendars.
Geographic Variations: Countries in the eastern hemisphere may start Ramadan before those in the west due to time zone differences and earlier sunset times.
Probable Dates: Evening of 17–18 February 2026 (first fast likely 18–19 February); Eid al-Fitr likely 19–20 March 2026, depending on local sighting and month length.
Hijri Calendar Explanation: The Hijri calendar, also known as the Islamic or lunar calendar, is the calendar system used to determine Islamic religious observances and dates. It was established during the reign of the second Caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab رضي الله عنه and marks its starting point from the Hijra—the migration of Prophet Muhammadﷺ from Makkah to Medina.
Key Features of the Hijri Calendar:
• 12 Lunar Months: The calendar consists of 12 months, each lasting 29 or 30 days depending on the moon's cycle
• Shorter Year: A Hijri year contains approximately 354-355 days, about 10-12 days shorter than the Gregorian solar year
• Moon-Based: Each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon (hilal)
• No Leap Year System: Unlike the Gregorian calendar, there are no leap months to synchronise with solar seasons
• Current Year: Ramadan 2026 corresponds to the year 1447 AH (After Hijra)
Annual Shift of Ramadan Dates (Lunar Calendar): One of the most distinctive features of Ramadan is that it moves backward through the Gregorian calendar each year. This shift occurs because the Islamic lunar calendar is approximately 10-12 days shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar used in most of the world today.
The Islamic calendar ensures that the experience of fasting is not fixed to a particular season, allowing Muslims in different hemispheres and climates to experience varying fasting durations throughout their lives. For instance, Muslims in northern latitudes will experience very long fasting days when Ramadan falls in summer, but much shorter ones when it falls in winter. This equality over time ensures that no geographic region has a permanent advantage or disadvantage, Subhan’Allah.
Ramadan 2026 UK Dates
Expected Ramadan Start Date UK: Evening of Tuesday, 17th February 202.6
Expected First Ramadan 2026 Fast: Wednesday, 18th February 2026 or Thursday, 19th February 2026.
Expected Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power) Date: Although we do not know the exact day Laylat al-Qadr falls on, the 27th night is expected to be Sunday, 15th March or Monday, 16th March 2026.
Expected End of Ramadan 2026: Evening of Thursday, 19th March 2026.
Expected Eid al-Fitr 2026 Date: Friday, 20th March 2026.
Final confirmation subject to UK moon sighting
Fasting (Sawm): Fasting during Ramadan, known as Sawm in Arabic, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and represents a fundamental obligation for all able adult Muslims. The practice extends far beyond the abstinence of food and drink—it encompasses a comprehensive spiritual and physical discipline that transforms the entire month into a period of intense worship and self-improvement.
Spiritual Reflection: The spiritual dimension of Ramadan is even more significant than the physical aspect of fasting—the rewards are in our ‘why’. Our intention throughout Ramadan, and the sincerity of it, will dictate how we strengthen our faith, discipline our desires, and purify our hearts.
Key Traditions—Prayers, Charity, Family Gatherings: Our prayers take on a hightened significance in the holy month of Ramadan. Beyond the five daily prayers, we have the night prayers; Taraweeh and Tahajjud. Ramadan is also linked with generosity and charitable giving. It is a time where our deeds are multiplied beyond measure, and that means the rewards from our Zakat and Sadaqah too. Ramadan also strengthens family bonds and community ties through Suhoor and Iftar, and the overall sense of family and community that come with Ramadan.
Community importance and unity: Ramadan serves as an opportunity to unite for the global Muslim community (Ummah) and local Muslim populations. In the UK, where Muslims come from incredibly diverse ethnic, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds, Ramadan is a common ground that transcends these differences, and brings us closer, together, as One Ummah.
Health and Nutrition Tips for Fasting: Proper preparation and nutrition management are essential for maintaining health and energy throughout the entire 30 days of Ramadan. With Ramadan 2026 falling in late winter/early spring in the UK, Muslims will experience moderate fasting hours, making physical preparation somewhat easier than during longer summer days. However, thoughtful planning remains important.
Spiritual Preparations and Planning: While physical preparation is important, spiritual preparation is the essence of Ramadan readiness. The month of Sha'ban (preceding Ramadan) provides an ideal time for spiritual preparation. Clarify your intentions, set specific and achievable goals, document your progress.
Community and Family Involvement: The most blessed way to experience Ramadan is with family and community. Discuss plans, goals and expectations with your family and friends. Think of ways to make it inclusive for children. Create a Ramadan atmosphere in your home. See if anyone needs any help in preparing for Ramadan.
Why do Ramadan dates change each year?
The Islamic calendar is lunar and about 10-12 days shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar, so Ramadan shifts earlier each year and cycles through all seasons.
How are the exact Ramadan dates confirmed?
Communities use astronomical forecasts to prepare but rely on local moon sighting committees to confirm the start and end dates. Announcements are typically made the evening before fasting begins and before Eid al-Fitr.
Can non-Muslims take part in Ramadan?
Yes, of course. Many non-Muslims join iftar events, volunteer, and learn about Ramadan’s values and blessings. While fasting is a religious obligation for Muslims, everyone is welcome to share meals, attend open-mosque events, and support charitable initiatives.
May Allahﷻ allow us to make it to Ramadan, accept our fasts, multiply our rewards, and grant us the blessings of this sacred month. Ameen.