As the Islamic calendar follows the phases of the moon, the lunar cycle, it falls approximately 10 days earlier each year within the Gregorian calendar. Allah (SWT) made the moon phases a means of learning about the important dates of fasting, Hajj and the sacred months.
Moonsighting is a Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW). He said:
“If you see the new moon, then fast, and if you see the new moon, then break it/If the new moon is covered by clouds, then determine (approximate) it.” (Muslim)
As mentioned in the above verse and hadith, the prescribed method is used by the Imams and scholars to work out Ramadan dates. Check out Muslim Aid’s website to find out the important dates in the Ramadan calendar.
This year, depending on the sighting of the moon, Ramadan is anticipated to start around 28th February.
* All dates are subject to the sighting of the moon.
Donate today and make a difference
Sadly, millions of people will go hungry with nothing to eat or drink this Ramadan. Put your Iman into action: £60 can provide relief from hunger and feed a fasting family for a whole month. This Ramadan, feeding is believing.
We want your Zakat to do more. When you give with Muslim Aid, your Zakat can relieve more hunger, quench more thirst, strengthen more healthcare, and alleviate more poverty.
Following the completion of Ramadan this year, Eid-al-Fitr might fall on or near the 30th March, depending on moonsighting.
Literally meaning ‘Festival of Breaking the Fast’, Eid al-Fitr is a celebratory time spent with friends, family and the local community. Fasting is forbidden on the first day of Eid al-Fitr. This Eid is traditionally characterised by hearty meals, an exchange of gifts and spending of time with loved ones.
Describing the importance of Eid over pre-Islamic festivals, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:
Ramadan 2026 Timetable
Ramadan 2026 UK might take place around 19th February 2026, therefore Eid-al-Fitr 2026 is estimated to start on or near 20th March 2026 – dates might vary slightly because of moonsighting during Ramadan times.
This also impacts Ramadan iftar time 2026 as they vary each day and by location, determined by sunset when Muslims break their fast with a meal.
Remember to pay your Zakat-al-Fitr before the blessed day of Eid to ensure the reward of this obligatory donation. Donate to Muslim Aid and make your Zakat-al-Fitr count towards helping the most vulnerable in the community.
We are a faith-based British international charity that provides help to people who are victims of natural disasters or conflict or suffering from poverty, hunger, disease, homelessness, injustice, deprivation or lack of skills and economic opportunities.
© Copyright 2026. Muslim Aid - Help Muslims Around the World in Need . All Rights Reserved.
Charity CIO No. 1176462
Serving humanity since 1985.
