In 2026, the holy month of Ramadan is set to begin on February 18 or 19, depending on the crescent moon sighting, and will last 29 or 30 days. During this period, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and sexual relations, with fasting lasting 12 to 15 hours depending on location. Muslims observe Ramadan to honor the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad, emphasizing spiritual reflection and heightened awareness of God, or taqwa. In the Northern Hemisphere, winter shortens fasts to about 12–13 hours, while Southern Hemisphere countries like South Africa may face 14–15-hour fasts. This timing reflects the lunar Hijri calendar’s unique rhythm, which shifts the holy month 10 to 12 days earlier annually.
Al Jazeera
