Prayer rugs in the Al Zaytuna Mosque in Tunis, Tunisia.Image: keystone
02/18/2026, 08:1102/18/2026, 08:11
Jannik Sauer / watson.de
For believing Muslims worldwide, the fasting month of Ramadan begins on the evening of February 18, 2026. For 30 days, until March 20th, they practice renunciation. Among other things, believers should abstain from eating and drinking during this time from dawn to sunset. So the first day of fasting this year will be Thursday.
But what else makes up the Muslim month of fasting? What do fasting people and those around them need to know about Ramadan? watson has collected the most important information about this below.
Praying Muslims in Casablanca, Morocco.Image: keystone
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is dedicated to fasting, a Muslim obligation enshrined in the Quran. Fasting is one of the five fundamental pillars of Islam, which also includes public profession of faith, daily ritual prayer, social donation and pilgrimage to Mecca.
During Ramadan, the more than one and a half billion Muslims worldwide should remember self-control and renunciation. The idea behind it: By limiting themselves to the essentials, believers make themselves and those around them aware of mercy towards the needy and weak.
Update
This story has already been published on watson. Due to current circumstances, we have decided to update and republish it.
According to the Western Gregorian calendar, Ramadan always falls in a different period. While this year it lasts from February 18th to March 20th, in 2027 it is expected to last from February 7th to March 8th. The time depends on the sighting of the new crescent moon and can therefore always be postponed by ten to eleven days per year.
What fasting rules are there?
During the 30 days of Ramadan, believers should… Abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex from dawn to sunset. “Unnecessary” talking and perfume should also be avoided. In the evening, the fasting period is traditionally broken with a date and a glass of milk.
This is followed by a prayer and the festive Iftar meal, where the first real meal after long hours of fasting is usually eaten together in a large group. The food is often very sumptuous and often consists of lentil soup, white bread, fried rice, lamb, vegetable dishes, salad and pieces of melon.
What exceptions are there?
All mentally healthy Muslims who have reached puberty and are therefore considered to be of age should fast. They are only exempt from this if they would take health risks by fasting. Sick, breastfeeding women and small children should not fast at all. Travelers or pregnant women can also make up for missed fasting days later. There are also occasional exceptions, for example for competitive athletes or astronauts.
Emirati astronaut Sultan al-Nejadi was not required to fast during his time on the International Space Station because he is defined as a traveler.Image: Anadolu
What follows Ramadan?
The end of the fasting month is marked by the three-day Eid al-Fitr, which this year falls on March 20th to 22nd. The festival begins with a special prayer after sunrise. Afterwards, Muslims celebrate together with family and friends.
The term Sugar Festival has become established because there are many things to snack on during the festivities. However, the sugar festival is not only popular with children because of the sweets; gifts are also often given out.
A parade here celebrates the end of the fasting month in Indonesia.Image: keystone
How does the non-Muslim world view Ramadan?
The fasting month of Ramadan is now also part of everyday life for many non-Muslims. Politicians send their greetings at the beginning of the month, and Ramadan is also very present on social media.
In some popular holiday destinations such as Morocco, local life shifts to nighttime during Ramadan. image: shutterstock
The month of fasting often has very concrete effects on travelers to Muslim holiday destinations. In countries like Morocco, the Maldives or Turkey, cafes and restaurants outside of hotels often remain closed during the day. In Tunisia, alcohol is not sold in supermarkets during Ramadan. There are also restrictions on local public transport in some Muslim countries. In addition, some countries interpret dress codes even more strictly, including for female tourists.