What is Ramadan?

Why do we do Ramadan?

Ramadan is a word derived from Arabic ramida Or ar-ramad which means “overwhelming heat”. According to tradition, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Prophet Muhammad on the 27th night of the month of Ramadan to reveal the Koran to him. This is the “Night of Destiny”. In order to celebrate this event, a fast was established during this sacred month, the second year of the Hegira (the Islamic calendar known as “Hijri”), i.e. in the year 624 of the Christian era.

When does Ramadan start, in 2026?

In 2026, Ramadan begins on the evening of Tuesday February 17, 2026, at 6 p.m., with the “Night of Destiny”. The fast will begin the next day, Wednesday February 18, 2026.

When does Ramadan end in 2026?

In France, Ramadan will end on Thursday March 19, 2026. A date confirmed by a second “Night of Doubt”. Then follows a day of celebration marked by Eid el-Fitr (celebration of the breaking of the fast, in French), celebrated the day after the last day of Ramadan.

How long does Ramadan last, in 2026?

In 2026, Ramadan will last one month, or in this year 1447 of the Hijri calendar, 29 days of fasting.

Why are the dates of Ramadan changing?

Ramadan takes place throughout the 9th month of the Muslim calendar which has approximately 354 days. This 9th month therefore advances by ten days each year, which explains that Ramadan takes place each year at a different period, allowing everyone to be able to celebrate it in different seasons, during their lives. To define the start of Ramadan, tradition is based on the observation of the Moon.

In fact, this sacred month always begins when the new Moon called “hilal” begins. The appearance of the first quarter in the sky indicates the eve of the start of Ramadan. If the sky is overcast, it begins according to astronomical calculations. The fast lasts 29 to 30 days.

What is the purpose of Ramadan?

During this time, Muslims should pray, meditate, recite the Quran, reflect on their faith and try to be better. It is a period of seeking a certain spiritual greatness to strengthen one’s bonds with Allah.

But above all, this period helps to purify the soul to better get closer to Allah. They must also practice almsgiving, paying money to the mosque or to someone in need, just before the end of Ramadan.

During this time, Muslims should pray, meditate, recite the Quran, reflect on their faith and try to be better. It is a period of seeking a certain spiritual greatness to strengthen one’s bonds with Allah. But above all, this period helps to purify the soul to better get closer to Allah. They must also practice almsgiving, paying money to the mosque or to someone in need, just before the end of Ramadan.

What are the prescriptions and obligations of Ramadan?

The fast of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. These are obligatory prescriptions that all Muslims must follow. As a reminder, the others are: the profession of faith (which attests that there is no divinity but Allah and the prophet Muhammad is his messenger), the pilgrimage to Mecca (in Saudi Arabia), prayer and almsgiving.

During the month of Ramadan, during the entire day, Muslims must neither eat nor drink, nor have sexual thoughts and activities, nor smoke from dawn to sunset (as soon as one can “distinguish a white thread from a black thread” says the Koran). This obligation must be respected by all believers from puberty. Ramadan gives rise to a set of very popular socio-religious practices, with, according to surveys, 70 to 80% observing.

Can we be exempt from Ramadan?

Everyone must fast, with the exception of frail, elderly people or those suffering from certain health conditions. This exemption also applies to those who must travel or who are temporarily ill.

In return, these people must feed a poor person for each day not fasted: this is the “Fidya”, the amount of which is set by the Muslim authorities (in France the Theological Council of Muslims of France). For 2025, it amounts to 12 euros per day, or 348 euros for the whole month. Breastfeeding, pregnant or menstruating women are also exempt. They will have to recover the days not fasted before Ramadan the following year.

What is the typical day of Ramadan?

Before sunrise, the faithful enjoy the “Suhur” (a meal rich in carbohydrates, fiber and proteins accompanied by plenty of water), followed by the “Fajr” prayer to start the fast well. Then, at noon, Muslims are called to recite the “Dhur” prayer.

At the end of the day, the fast is broken. The faithful again eat dates and traditional dishes, accompanied by water followed by the “Maghrib” prayer and family or community activities. Finally, late at night, believers pray “Isha” and “Tahajjud”.

What time should we eat during Ramadan?

At sunset, the fast is broken during Ramadan. Practitioners have a meal there, the “Iftar” then pray and enjoy a moment of family and friendship.