A month of fasting, prayer and sharing, Ramadan is a sacred period for all Muslims around the world. Here’s the date this holiday should start in 2026, and everything you need to know about its meaning and traditions.
Each year, the announcement of the start date of Ramadan is a key moment for millions of Muslims. In France, it is the Grand Mosque of Paris which confirms it during the Night of Doubt, based on the observation of the Moon. The same process is repeated for announce the end of Ramadan. This sacred month is based on well-established rules: from sunrise to sunset, the faithful abstain from eating and drinking, while giving a central place to prayer, sharing and solidarity. More than a simple period of fasting, Ramadan is a time of spirituality and reflection, punctuated by traditions anchored for centuries.
What are the dates of Ramadan in 2026?
This year, Ramadan should begin on Wednesday February 18, 2026, according to estimates from the Muslim Theological Council of France. Astronomical calculations predict the arrival of the new Moon on the night of Tuesday February 17. It is therefore from the next day that we will be able to observe the new crescent, which will mark the start of the fast. But this date must however be confirmed by religious authorities during the Night of Doubt. THE Eid al-Fitr daywhich celebrates the feast of breaking the fast and therefore the end of the month of Ramadan, should take place on Friday March 20, 2026.
What is the origin of Ramadan?
Ramadan is one of the most important holidays in the Muslim religion. To find the origin of Ramadanwe must go back to the year 610. When the angel Gabriel appeared to the prophet Mohammed to reveal the Koran to him. This revelation – laylat al-Qadr or Night of Destiny – would have occurred during Ramadan. It is to commemorate this event that Muslims practice fasting for a month. Formed by the Arabic root “ar-ramad”, Ramadan means “extreme heat”.
What are the prohibitions during Ramadan?
Throughout the month of Ramadan, the faithful must respect certain prohibitednotably the fasting from food and drink during the day. Practitioners must also abstain from having sex during the day, smoking, using obscene language or wearing makeupfrom sunrise to sunset. It is important to note that inadvertent eating does not imply atonement or make-up fasting. Conversely, a deliberate transgression of the rules recommended by Ramadan cancels the fast.
During Ramadan, in the evening, during Ftour or Iftar, it is possible to break the fast, to regain strength before the following day. Dates, chorba, harira, semolina, wheat, oriental pastries... THE Ramadan meal is particularly festive and brings the whole family together around traditional dishes.
L’Eid al-Fitrwhich marks the end of Ramadan, is called “little party“, as opposed to the great festival of Eid el-Kebir (or Eid-Al Adha, day of sacrifice). This year, it should take place on Friday March 20, 2026. After a prayer at the mosque, Muslims, on the occasion of a hearty lunch, can offer each other gifts or different foods, traditionally pastries. It is also the time to fulfill the religious obligation of Zakat el-Fitr.
