Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and a very important time for Muslims. During this holy month, worshippers will fast from dawn until dusk, pray, and give to charity.
Soon, millions of individuals across the globe will be marking the sacred month of Ramadan. The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, it holds significant importance for Muslims.
During Ramadan, devotees will fast, pray, and donate to charity to honour the event which concludes with a grand prayer and celebration. However, unlike other religious holidays, Ramadan doesn’t commence on the same date each year. The Islamic calendar is lunar-based, meaning its months begin at varying times as the years progress.
Adding to the complexity, some people might initiate Ramadan on different dates, influenced by local customs, traditions, and diverse moon sightings.
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When is Ramadan expected to start in the UK in 2026?
Most communities and sects depend on the moon sighting committee in Saudi Arabia to determine the onset of Ramadan. This is because they utilise specialised equipment to monitor the moon’s cycle, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Nevertheless, Muslims residing overseas are advised to follow the guidance of their nearest Muslim majority country. For those in the UK, this is Morocco. Yesterday (February 15), the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia urged worshippers to start searching for the crescent moon on Tuesday evening and to report it to their closest court.
In Morocco, astronomers anticipate the country to declare Thursday, February 19, as the first day of Ramadan. UK astronomers at HM Nautical Almanac Office have proposed that the moon will not be visible to the naked eye in Mecca on Tuesday, February 17.
Forecasters reckon that the crescent is likely to be ‘easily visible’ across Saudi Arabia on Wednesday February 18, suggesting Ramadan is likely to commence on Thursday February 19. However, depending on sightings, it could kick off on Friday February 20 for some nations.
If you’re uncertain which date to begin observing Ramadan, you could attempt watching the moon yourself, or get in touch with your local mosque.
What time should British Muslims begin observing Ramadan in 2026?
Traditionally, Muslims commence their day at sunset, not sunrise. So, they will start fasting just before the Fajr prayer in the early morning as the sun rises.
According to reports concerning the UK, Ramadan is set to begin on the evening of Wednesday February 18. Meaning the first full day of fasting will be Thursday February 19.
Bear in mind, prayer times can vary depending on where you live. So, always check with your local mosque to discover when Fajr will start during Ramadan.
