Saudi Arabia has announced that the first day of Ramadan in 2026 will commence on **February 18**. This declaration follows the sighting of the crescent moon by the moon-sighting committee on Tuesday. During this holy month, Muslims globally will engage in fasting from dawn until dusk, with fasting hours varying significantly based on geographical location.
Muslims observe Ramadan to commemorate the moment when the initial verses of the Quran were revealed to the **Prophet Muhammad** over **1,400 years ago**. The fast involves abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and sexual relations during daylight hours, aimed at fostering greater **taqwa**, or consciousness of God. The duration of fasting typically spans between **11.5 to 15.5 hours**, depending on one’s location.
Variations in Fasting Hours
Fasting hours differ across the globe due to the nature of the lunar Hijri calendar, which is about **10 to 12 days shorter** than the solar calendar. This year, nearly **90 percent** of the world’s population residing in the **Northern Hemisphere** will experience shorter fasting hours, with durations of approximately **12 to 13 hours** on the first day, increasing as the month progresses.
Conversely, those located in the **Southern Hemisphere**, including countries such as **Chile**, **New Zealand**, and **South Africa**, will have longer fasting periods, lasting about **14 to 15 hours** on the first day. The number of fasting hours for these regions will gradually decrease throughout Ramadan.
Interestingly, the lunar year’s shorter cycle means Ramadan will occur twice in **2030**, first from **January 5** to **February 4**, and again beginning on **December 26**.
Suhoor and Iftar Times Worldwide
As fasting hours vary, so do the times for **suhoor** (the pre-dawn meal) and **iftar** (the meal to break the fast). The following table outlines the specific times for suhoor and iftar on both the first and last days of Ramadan 2026. This variability highlights the cultural and climatic influences on the observance of Ramadan across different regions.
During this period, greetings exchanged among Muslims include “Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem,” expressions wishing others a blessed and generous month. The diverse linguistic traditions reflect the rich cultural tapestry of the global Muslim community.
As Ramadan approaches, the anticipation grows among millions of believers preparing for a month of reflection, community, and spiritual growth.
