Muslims around the world are gearing up for Ramadan, the annual holy month, that is starting in just a few days.
Ramadan is a period of prayer, reflection and abstinence that coincides with the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It ends with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims observe a fast from sunrise to sunset, meaning they do not eat or drink at all during daylight hours.
Ramadan will begin at the end of February, but the exact timing depends on the sight of the moon. Many Muslims follow guidance set by officials in Muslim-majority countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
This year, for some, the start of Ramadan could also coincide with two other cultural days:Mardi GrasandLunar New Year.
When does Ramadan start?
Ramadan is expected to start on Feb. 18 or 19 this year.
Because the Islamic Calendar follows a lunar cycle, exact dates can change slightly depending on moon sightings.
Many Muslims follow guidance set by moon sighting committees in Middle Eastern countries. InSaudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, officials have called for those sighting the moon to gather on Tuesday, Feb. 17, meaning the start of Ramadan could be declared for either Feb. 18 or 19.
In other countries, likeOman,Turkey and Singapore, officials declared the start of Ramadan to be Feb. 19 this year.
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When does Ramadan end?
Ramadan is expected to end on March 18 or 19 this year, depending on the start date.
It lasts 30 days and ends with Eid al-Fitr, the start of a new month in the Islamic calendar.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the most sacred time of the year for Muslims, during which they fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from any food or drink, even water.
Because fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, every healthy Muslim is expected to partake in the monthlong fasting. Ramadan signifies the month Muslims believe the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad, according toBrandeis University.
During Ramadan, Muslims have a pre-dawn meal called Suhoor and a post-sundown meal called Iftar.
What is Eid?
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. It is a major holiday celebrated by Muslims around the world to signify the breaking of the fast.
This year, Eid al-Fitr is expected to be on March 19 or 20 depending on the sighting of the moon.
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached atmelina.khan@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:When is Ramadan? 2026 start, end dates for Muslim holy month
