What is Ramadan and When is Ramadan?

What is Ramadan? 

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar.

Healthy adult Muslims fast during the blessed month from dawn until dusk. This includes abstaining from drinking, eating, immoral acts and anger. Other acts of worship such as prayer, reading the Qur’an and giving charity are also encouraged during the holy month.

When is Ramadan 2026?

This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of

Ramadan in 2026 is expected to begin on Tuesday 17 February 2026, and end on the evening of Wednesday 18 March 2026, depending on the sighting of the moon.

You can find up-to-date information on the Ramadan timetable.

When to stop fasting in Ramadan 2026? 

The exact timing is based on the sighting of the moon. Eid al-Fitr officially begins at the start of the Islamic month of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. This year, Ramadan is expected to end on the evening of Wednesday, March 18 depending on the sighting of the moon.

Unlike the Gregorian calendar we use today, the Islamic calendar operates on the lunar cycle. This means that all significant days in the Islamic calendar appear to shift forward approximately 11 days each year. Therefore, the sighting of the moon determines the end of the month-long period of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid.

What happens if you miss a fast during Ramadan?

If you’ve missed any fasts out of necessity and will never be able to fast to make up the lost days afterwards, you’re required to pay Fidya (Fidyah). For any other missed fasts you will need to make them up. For any fasts broken deliberately without need, in the Hanafi Madhab you would need to make up the fast and also pay Kaffarah. In the Hanbali and Shafi Madhabs you would need to make up the fast and only pay Kaffarah if it was broken by marital relations.

What is Suhoor?

Suhoor is the meal eaten early in the morning before dawn, by Muslims fasting during Ramadan. 

It is vital to prepare the body for a long day of fasting ahead, and so Suhoor should be as balanced and nutritious as possible. 

What time does Suhoor end? 

Most scholars agree that suhoor can be eaten until the beginning of the ‘first light’ of dawn which is up until the point that sunlight first becomes visible. Suhoor is eaten before Fajr time. 

The Quran states that fasting begins when “the white thread of dawn appears to you distinct from its black thread.”  (2:187)

You can find out what time Suhoor ends for each day during Ramadan 2026 here. 

Meaning of Suhoor 

The literal meaning of Suhoor in Arabic is ‘the last part of the night’, referring to the fact that the meal is eaten early in the morning, before the break of dawn. The purpose of Suhoor is to help prepare the body for a day of fasting, and to help ease the difficulties of fasting. 

From a spiritual perspective, the Prophet (PBUH) encouraged Muslims to eat Suhoor, because of the hidden blessings that come from eating the meal: 

“There is blessing in eating suḥūr; so, do not skip it, even if one of you has a sip of water. For indeed Allah and His Angels send blessings and mercy on those who eat suḥūr” (Aḥmad).

Suhoor is blessed because it is a Sunnah (tradition) of the Prophet (PBUH). It also gives us more strength to engage in Dhikr (remembrance of Allah SWT) and more energy to get through the day. 

By waking up for Suhoor, Muslims also ensure that they are awake to supplicate to Allah (SWT) in the last part of the night, which is the best time for worship. 

Ideas for Suhoor 

When you’re thinking of ideas for Suhoor, try to balance finding something nutritious to eat, with something you will look forward to (to help you get out of bed at early hours of the morning!), as well as considering the impact that your meal choices have on the environment. 

During Suhoor, avoid caffeine, which can cause dehydration. Consider replacing your tea and coffee with decaf options or milk and fresh juice.

It’s important to remember that  we have  a responsibility to Allah (SWT)’s creatures and that we are stewards of the earth. 

Therefore, try and cut back on meat this Ramadan, and aim to buy more local produce. Find out more about having an Eco-Ramadan here. 

If you’re struggling to find Suhoor recipes, you can find ideas by searching on YouTube. 

Best things to eat for Suhoor 

Here is a list of nutritious foods to enjoy at Suhoor which will help keep you energised throughout your fast: 

• Eggs: They are full of protein and will help you feel full. Some ideas are to make an omelette, or to try poached eggs on toast. 
• Slow-release carbohydrates such as oats, wholegrain rice and wholemeal bread. To keep up your strength whilst fasting, these foods will help to keep you full and energised throughout the day.
• Incorporate fruits and vegetables: These are rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre, and will keep you hydrated and energised. Don’t forget to eat to implement the Sunnah of eating dates at Suhoor. 
• Nuts: Adding a handful of nuts to your porridge or spreading a nut butter on your toast will give you a healthy source of fats, and help keep you fuller for longer. 

What is the Dua for Suhoor 

It is recommended to make the following intention at Suhoor time when beginning your fast:

“Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaiytu min shahri ramadan” 

Translation: I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan.

Significance of eating dates for Suhoor 

The Sunnah (tradition) of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is to eat dates at suhoor time. The Prophet (pbuh) said: “The best pre-fasting meal for the believer is dates.” (Abu Daoud) Therefore we should incorporate them in our Suhoor, in order to gain the blessings of following a Sunnah.  

The scholars recommend eating an odd number of dates, for example 1 or 3. 

As with other Sunnahs of the Prophet (PBUH), there are many health benefits of eating dates. “Indeed in dates there is a cure” (Muslim). Dates are a great source of protein, B vitamins, fibre and potassium, helping to support the immune system and healthy functioning of the body.