When Does Ramadan End?
Ramadan is set to conclude after sundown on March 19, 2026. This significant period of fasting and reflection for Muslims around the world began on the evening of February 17, 2026, and will culminate in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which is expected to begin that same evening.
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, which includes refraining from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual relations during daylight hours. The duration of fasting varies by location; for instance, in New York and New Jersey, the first day of Ramadan will see approximately 12 hours of fasting, while the last day will extend to about 13 hours and 20 minutes.
The fasting schedule is marked by specific times for suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, and iftar, the meal to break the fast. On the first day of Ramadan in New York, suhoor is expected at 5:30 a.m. and iftar at 5:35 p.m. By the last day, these times will shift to 5:46 a.m. for suhoor and 7:06 p.m. for iftar.
Muslims believe that Ramadan is the month during which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over 1,400 years ago, making it a time of spiritual significance and devotion. The observance of Ramadan follows a lunar calendar, which causes its start and end dates to shift earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar.
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims are required to give a donation known as Zakat al-Fitr, which is intended to purify those who fast from any indecent act or speech and to help the poor and needy. This act of charity is an essential component of the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
The exact dates of Ramadan may depend on sightings of the crescent moon, which can lead to slight variations in observance across different regions. As the end of Ramadan approaches, communities will be looking for the moon to confirm the conclusion of this holy month.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the schedule or observances. However, the expected conclusion of Ramadan on March 19, 2026, remains a focal point for Muslims around the globe as they prepare for the festivities of Eid al-Fitr.