Ramadan is one of the most important months in the Islamic calendar. Many people often ask: “How long is Ramadan?” The month of Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the Islamic lunar calendar and moon sighting. During this period, Muslims around the world observe fasting from Fajr to Maghrib, engage in worship, perform charity (zakat), and increase recitation of the Quran the holy book of Islam that guides believers in faith and daily life (learn more about what the Quran is and its purpose in Islam).
If you are wondering how long is Ramadan 2026 or the duration of Ramadan, this guide will answer all your questions. It will also provide practical tips for families, children, and beginners learning the Quran during this spiritual month. Ramadan holds special significance because it is the month in which the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), marking the divine origin of this sacred scripture (read about the true origin and revelation of the Quran).
During Ramadan, daily activities typically include:
- Fasting from Fajr (dawn) to Maghrib (sunset)
- Performing prayers and Taraweeh to strengthen spiritual connection
- Charity (zakat) and helping those in need
- Reciting and learning the Quran, improving reading and Tajweed
Note: The exact fasting hours may vary depending on your country and the season, with longer fasts in summer months.
How Long Is Ramadan? (Quick Answer)
Ramadan typically lasts 29–30 days, with the exact length determined by the sighting of the crescent moon according to the Islamic lunar calendar (Hijri calendar). Each day, Muslims fast from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib), observing sawm, one of the pillars of Islam. The duration of Ramadan can vary slightly depending on your location and the season.
How Long Is Ramadan in 2026?
For 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin on Tuesday, February 18 and end on Wednesday, March 19, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon according to the Islamic lunar calendar (Hijri calendar). This means that how long does Ramadan go for this year is approximately 29–30 days, consistent with past lunar years.
During this period, Muslims worldwide will observe daily fasting from Fajr to Maghrib and celebrate Eid al-Fitr at the conclusion of the month. Alongside fasting and prayer, many families also focus on Quran recitation and learning, often planning their goals based on how the Quran is organized into chapters, verses, and sections, which helps make daily reading more manageable throughout Ramadan.
Knowing when does Ramadan start and when does Ramadan end helps families plan:
- Fasting schedules for adults and children
- Prayer and Taraweeh timings
- Quran learning sessions for kids and beginners, using age-appropriate lessons that focus on basic Quran teachings for kids, including short surahs, morals, and daily Islamic practices
Note: The exact dates may vary by country depending on local moon sighting. Families should follow their local announcements to plan accordingly.
How Many Days Is Ramadan & Why?
You might wonder, how many days is Ramadan in general. Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days because it follows the Islamic lunar calendar (Hijri calendar), which is shorter than the Gregorian calendar. Each month begins with the sighting of the crescent moon, which determines whether the month will be 29 or 30 days.
The Ramadan length in days is therefore not fixed and can vary slightly depending on local moon sightings. Additionally, because the lunar calendar is about 10–11 days shorter than the solar calendar, Ramadan starts earlier each year.
From an Islamic perspective, Allah has prescribed fasting for 30 days during Ramadan as a form of worship and obedience. This is mentioned in the Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183–185), where Allah commands believers to fast for a specific period each year to attain taqwa (piety and consciousness of Allah). The fasting is not just abstaining from food and drink but also from negative behaviors, helping Muslims develop self-discipline, patience, and spiritual growth. For additional inspiration, you can reflect on powerful Quran quotations that teach faith, patience, and kindness, which can guide your spiritual practices during Ramadan.
Understanding how long Ramadan lasts helps Muslims plan their daily fasting schedules, spiritual practices, and Quran recitation sessions while reflecting on the purpose behind this divine command.
Key Points:
- Total days: 29–30, depending on crescent moon sighting
- Divinely prescribed: Allah commanded fasting for 30 days in the Quran
- Spiritual purpose: Builds self-discipline, patience, and piety
- Planning: Helps schedule fasting, prayer, and Quran learning
Note: This natural variation in Ramadan length is normal and has been followed by Muslims for centuries according to Islamic tradition.
Why Does Ramadan Change Every Year?
You might wonder, why does Ramadan change every year. Ramadan shifts about 10–11 days earlier each year because the Islamic lunar calendar (Hijri calendar) has 354–355 days, while the Gregorian calendar has 365 days. This means that although the month of Ramadan always lasts 29–30 days, the calendar dates move earlier each year.
This annual shift gives Muslims the opportunity to fast during different seasons, experiencing longer or shorter fasting hours depending on daylight. The start of Ramadan is always determined by crescent moon sighting, so dates may differ slightly by location.
Key Points:
- Annual shift: About 10–11 days earlier each year
- Month length: 29–30 days, consistent every year
- Reason: Lunar calendar is shorter than Gregorian calendar
- Moon sighting: Local observation determines start and end
- Seasonal variation: Experience different fasting hours over a lifetime
Note: This shift is part of Allah’s divine design, allowing Muslims to experience Ramadan during different seasons while fulfilling their spiritual obligations.
What Time Does Fasting Start and End Each Day?
Many beginners ask, how many hours do Muslims fast or what is the duration of Ramadan fasting each day. Fasting begins at Fajr (dawn) and ends at Maghrib (sunset). During this time, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and negative behaviors while focusing on prayer, Quran recitation, and charity. For those learning the correct way to perform their daily prayers during Ramadan, you can follow our guide on how to perform Salah to ensure proper practice.
Meals During Fasting:
- Suhoor: Pre-dawn meal before Fajr
- Iftar: Evening meal after Maghrib
Fasting hours vary by country and season:
- UK 2026: Approx. 18 hours
- USA 2026: Approx. 15–16 hours
- Middle East 2026: Approx. 14 hours
So, how long does fasting last each day depends on your location and daylight hours. Longer fasting hours in summer and shorter in winter are normal.
Note: Children, the elderly, and those unable to fast are exempt, making Ramadan a spiritually flexible and manageable practice for everyone.
How Long Is Ramadan for Kids?
Parents often ask, how long is Ramadan for kids or how long do children fast in Ramadan. Children are not obligated to fast until they reach puberty, but many start gradually, such as fasting half-days or skipping certain meals, to build the habit.
Tips for Teaching Kids During Ramadan:
- Gradual fasting: Start with half-days or select meals
- Teaching Quran: Short, guided sessions help children recite and understand the Quran
- Tajweed practice: Structured online Quran classes in Ramadan improve pronunciation and understanding
- Spiritual lessons: Explain the meaning and significance of fasting in an age-appropriate way
Encouraging children to participate in Ramadan gradually helps them develop discipline, patience, and spiritual awareness. Combining fasting with Quran learning and prayer makes the month meaningful and enjoyable for kids.
Note: Children who are not yet ready or are ill are exempt from fasting. Parents should guide them gently and focus on building habits and spiritual understanding rather than strict fasting.
Why Is Ramadan Called the Month of the Quran?
Ramadan is called the month of the Quran because it marks the period when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is a spiritual month dedicated to worship, fasting, charity (zakat), and nightly prayers such as Taraweeh.
Key Spiritual Highlights of Ramadan:
- Laylatul Qadr: The “Night of Decree” occurs during the last ten nights and is considered better than a thousand months
- Increased Quran recitation: Many families focus on reading, understanding, and applying Tajweed in Ramadan
- Online Quran learning: An ideal time for children and adults to join online Quran classes in Ramadan to improve reading skills
This sacred connection makes Ramadan the perfect opportunity to strengthen spiritual habits, learn Quran, and deepen understanding. Beginners can start gradually, combining daily recitation with prayer and reflection, making the month both spiritually and educationally rewarding.
Tip: Even short daily sessions of Quran reading can build lifelong habits, especially during this spiritually significant month.
How to Make the Most of Ramadan This Year
To maximize the blessings of Ramadan 2026, you can focus on both spiritual growth and learning opportunities. Even small daily actions add up and make the month more meaningful.
Practical Steps to Make Ramadan Count:
- Read the Quran daily: Even small portions of recitation help strengthen your connection
- Learn Tajweed basics: Improves pronunciation and understanding during recitation
- Pray consistently: Include Taraweeh prayers and maintain daily Salah
- Teach children about Ramadan: Help them understand fasting, charity, and the spiritual significance
- Practice charity (zakat): Share with those in need to cultivate compassion
- Enroll in online Quran classes in Ramadan: Build a structured learning habit for children and adults
- Plan fasting schedules wisely: Adjust meals and prayers according to daylight hours in your region
By following these steps, Ramadan becomes more than just fasting; it becomes a time for spiritual reflection, family engagement, and lifelong learning.
Tip: Start with one or two actions and gradually add more. Consistency is more important than perfection, especially for beginners and children.
Conclusion
Ramadan is a 29–30 day spiritual journey, with daily fasting hours varying depending on your location. Known as the month of the Quran, it is a time for reflection, worship, charity, and learning. To truly make the most of this Ramadan, consider starting online Quran classes in Ramadan.
Whether for children or adults, structured guidance can help improve Quran recitation, Tajweed in Ramadan, and overall confidence and understanding of the Quran. By combining fasting, prayer, and learning, you can embrace the blessings of Ramadan while building lifelong Quran habits.
Start a free trial with Safdriya Quran Academy today and give yourself or your children the opportunity to learn the Quran, improve Tajweed, and deepen spiritual understanding during this holy month.
