Ramadan Start

In 2026, the first full day of fasting for Ramadan in the United Kingdom is expected to be on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. This means there are approximately 46 days remaining until the start of this holy month. Please note that the observance actually begins on the evening prior, Tuesday, February 17, 2026, when the first prayers are held. Because the Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, the exact start date is subject to the official sighting of the new crescent moon and may vary by a day depending on local mosque announcements and sightings by organisations like the New Crescent Society.

No, Ramadan is not a public holiday in the United Kingdom. Schools, businesses, and government offices operate as normal throughout the month. However, because the UK has a significant Muslim population, many employers and educational institutions offer flexibility or religious accommodations. This might include allowing Muslim employees to adjust their working hours for prayer or to break their fast at sunset, or providing quiet spaces for reflection. While daily life continues, you will notice increased community activity in many UK cities during the evening hours when families gather for the Iftar meal.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered the holiest month for Muslims. It commemorates the first revelation of the Qur'an to the Prophet Muhammad. It is a time for spiritual growth, self-discipline, and increased devotion to God. Fasting during this month, known as Sawm, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Beyond abstaining from food and drink, it is a period for Muslims to practice patience, humility, and empathy for those less fortunate, while focusing on prayer, charity, and reading the holy scriptures.

During Ramadan, Muslims in the UK abstain from eating, drinking, and smoking from dawn until sunset. The day typically begins with a pre-dawn meal called Suhoor. Once the sun sets, the fast is broken with a meal known as Iftar, which traditionally begins with eating dates and drinking water. In the UK, the length of the fast can vary significantly depending on the time of year; since Ramadan 2026 falls in February, the daylight hours will be shorter than in summer months, making the fasting period roughly 10 to 12 hours long.

Key customs include increased prayer, specifically the nightly 'Tarawih' prayers held at mosques. Many Muslims aim to recite the entire Qur'an over the course of the month. Charity is also central to the month, with many people giving 'Zakat' or donating to food banks. One of the most important nights is Laylat al-Qadr, the 'Night of Power,' which is expected on March 16, 2026. This night is dedicated to intense prayer and is believed to be when the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed.

Ramadan concludes with a major festival called Eid al-Fitr, expected around March 18-19, 2026. This is a joyous celebration that begins with a special morning prayer service called Salat al-Eid. Traditions include wearing new clothes, visiting friends and family, and sharing large festive meals. Children often receive gifts or money. In the UK, many cities host large outdoor Eid festivals in public parks. It is also a time for 'Zakat al-Fitr,' a specific charitable donation made before the Eid prayer to ensure the poor can also join in the festivities.

The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, which is approximately 10 to 11 days shorter than the Gregorian solar calendar. Consequently, the start of Ramadan moves forward by about 10 or 11 days each year. This means the month cycles through all the seasons over a 33-year period. In the United Kingdom, this shift significantly impacts the fasting experience, as fasting during the long days of a British summer is much more physically demanding than fasting during the shorter winter days of February and March.

For non-Muslims in the UK, it is helpful to be mindful that Muslim colleagues or friends may be fasting and might have lower energy levels in the late afternoon. You don't need to stop eating or drinking in front of them, but being considerate is appreciated. Many mosques across the UK host 'Open Iftar' events where people of all faiths and backgrounds are invited to share the evening meal and learn about the culture. If you wish to greet a Muslim friend during this time, you can say 'Ramadan Mubarak' or 'Ramadan Kareem'.