Ramadan Starts

The Spiritual Journey of Ramadan in the United States

Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year for the millions of Muslims living across the United States. It is a period of profound spiritual reflection, communal bonding, and self-discipline that transforms the daily rhythm of life for practitioners from New York City to Los Angeles. Unlike many other holidays that focus on external celebrations, Ramadan is an internal journey—a time for Muslims to "recharge" their faith, seek forgiveness, and cultivate a deeper sense of empathy for those less fortunate. The essence of the month lies in the fast (known as sawm), which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. From the break of dawn until the sun dips below the horizon, observers abstain from all food, drink, and worldly distractions to focus entirely on their relationship with the Divine.

What makes Ramadan particularly special in the American context is the incredible diversity of the community observing it. The United States is home to one of the most ethnically diverse Muslim populations in the world, including African Americans, South Asians, Arabs, Africans, Europeans, and Latinos. This diversity is reflected in the way the month is experienced; while the core religious requirements remain identical, the cultural flavors of the nightly "Iftar" (the meal to break the fast) vary from traditional American barbecue to spicy biryanis and Middle Eastern stews. It is a month where the "Melting Pot" of America is seen in its most spiritual form, as people from all walks of life stand shoulder-to-shoulder in mosques for nightly prayers.

Beyond the physical act of fasting, Ramadan in the U.S. is characterized by an outpouring of charity and community service. Known as Zakat and Sadaqah, these acts of giving are central to the Ramadan experience. Throughout the month, American Muslim organizations and local mosques organize massive food drives, fundraisers for international relief, and communal meals that are often open to the public, including non-Muslim neighbors. This spirit of generosity defines the month, turning it into a season of high-impact social good that benefits local communities far beyond the walls of the mosque.

When is Ramadan in 2026?

The start of Ramadan is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar, which is approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar used in the United States. Because of this, the start date of Ramadan shifts forward every year. For the upcoming year, the observance is expected to begin in late winter.

Official Start Date: February 18, 2026 Day of the Week: Wednesday Countdown: There are 46 days remaining until the fast begins.

It is important to note that the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle. Therefore, the "start" of the holiday actually begins on the evening of the previous day (Tuesday, February 17, 2026) when the new crescent moon is sighted. The first full day of fasting will be on February 18, 2026. Because the start of the month depends on a physical sighting of the moon, there can sometimes be a one-day variation between different communities. Some American Muslims follow the astronomical calculations provided by the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) or the Fiqh Council of North America, while others wait for a local sighting of the moon with the naked eye. This leads to a beautiful, if sometimes complex, tapestry of start dates across the 50 states.

History and Origins of the Holy Month

The history of Ramadan dates back over 1,400 years to the year 610 CE. According to Islamic tradition, it was during this month, on a night known as Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), that the Angel Gabriel appeared to the Prophet Muhammad and revealed the first verses of the Quran, the holy book of Islam. The fast of Ramadan was later established as a requirement for Muslims to commemorate this revelation and to practice the self-restraint necessary to achieve "Taqwa," or God-consciousness.

In the United States, the history of Ramadan is as old as the country itself. Historians have documented that a significant percentage of enslaved Africans brought to the American colonies were Muslim and attempted to maintain their religious practices, including fasting during Ramadan, despite the brutal conditions of their enslavement. In the 20th century, the growth of the American Muslim community through both migration and domestic conversion movements brought Ramadan into the public eye. Today, the White House and various state capitols often host annual Iftar dinners, acknowledging the long-standing history and contribution of Muslims to the American story.

How People Celebrate and Observe in the U.S.

Observing Ramadan in a non-Muslim majority country like the United States presents a unique set of experiences. Because the U.S. operates on a standard 9-to-5 business schedule, Muslims must balance their spiritual obligations with their professional and academic lives.

The Daily Routine

A typical day for a fasting American Muslim begins very early, often before 5:00 AM. This pre-dawn period is for Suhoor, a small meal intended to provide energy for the day ahead. In American households, this might consist of high-protein foods like eggs, oatmeal, or protein shakes. After Suhoor, the morning prayer (Fajr) is performed.

During the daylight hours, the focus is on work and school, but with an added emphasis on patience and avoiding negative speech or behavior. It is common for students to spend their lunch breaks in the school library or for employees to work through their lunch hours so they can leave earlier in the evening to prepare for the fast-breaking meal.

Iftar and Community

The highlight of the day is Iftar, the meal at sunset. In the U.S., this often starts with the traditional eating of a date and a glass of water, following the practice of the Prophet Muhammad. Many American mosques host "Community Iftars," where hundreds of people gather to eat together. These events are often sponsored by local families or businesses and are a cornerstone of social life during the month. In cities like Dearborn, Michigan, or parts of Queens, New York, the atmosphere during Iftar time is electric, with restaurants packed and streets bustling as the fast ends.

Taraweeh: The Nightly Prayers

After the evening meal, many Muslims head to the mosque for Taraweeh. These are special, long prayers performed only during Ramadan, during which the entire Quran is recited over the course of the month. In the U.S., these prayers often last late into the night. Large Islamic centers in suburbs like those in Northern Virginia or Orange County, California, see thousands of congregants every single night for these services.

Traditions and Customs in American Households

While the religious core of Ramadan is universal, American Muslims have developed their own unique cultural traditions that blend their heritage with American life.

1. Ramadan Decorations: In recent years, there has been a massive surge in "Ramadan decor" across the U.S. Much like Christmas lights, many American Muslim families now decorate their homes with crescent moon lights, lanterns (known as fanous), and "Ramadan Mubarak" banners. Major retailers like Target and Walmart have even begun carrying Ramadan-themed party supplies to cater to this growing market.
2. The "Ramadan Tent" and Food Trucks: In some urban areas, community groups set up large tents for Iftar. In recent years, halal food trucks have also become a staple of the Ramadan experience in cities like New York and Philadelphia, providing quick and delicious meals for those heading home from work at sunset.
3. Charity Drives: Many American Muslims use Ramadan as a time for intense local volunteering. It is common to see "Ramadan Food Drives" where families donate non-perishable goods to local food banks that serve all Americans, regardless of faith.
4. Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Power): During the last ten nights of the month, many people stay up all night in the mosque praying. In the U.S., it is a tradition for "Qiyam" (night vigils) to include communal suhoors, where IHOP or local diners become unofficial gathering spots for young Muslims at 3:00 AM.

Practical Information for the Public

If you are a non-Muslim living, working, or traveling in the United States during Ramadan, here is some helpful context to navigate the month:

Respectful Etiquette

There is no expectation for non-Muslims to fast. However, being mindful of colleagues or friends who are fasting is always appreciated. You do not need to hide your lunch, but perhaps avoid offering food or organizing "working lunches" for fasting team members. A simple "Ramadan Mubarak" (Blessed Ramadan) or "Ramadan Kareem" (Generous Ramadan) is a very kind gesture that is widely used and appreciated.

Visiting a Mosque

Many mosques in the U.S. hold "Open House" Iftars specifically for their non-Muslim neighbors. This is a great way to experience the culture and enjoy some incredible food. If you visit a mosque, remember to dress modestly (long pants or skirts) and be prepared to remove your shoes at the entrance.

Business Operations

Unlike in some Middle Eastern countries, businesses in the U.S. do not close or significantly shorten their hours for Ramadan. However, you may find that Muslim-owned businesses (especially restaurants) might change their hours—some may close during the day and stay open very late into the night.

Is Ramadan a Public Holiday in the U.S.?

In the United States, Ramadan is not a federal or public holiday. This means that government offices, banks, schools, and post offices remain open on their normal schedules.

However, there are some regional exceptions and accommodations to be aware of: School Districts: In areas with high Muslim populations, such as Dearborn, MI, or Paterson, NJ, some school districts may close for the holiday of Eid al-Fitr (the celebration at the end of Ramadan), but they do not close for the start of the month. Workplace Accommodations: Under the Civil Rights Act, many employers in the U.S. provide "reasonable accommodations" for religious practices. This might include allowing a Muslim employee to take a break at sunset to pray and eat, or adjusting a shift so they can attend nightly prayers. The End of the Month: While the start of Ramadan is a normal working day, the conclusion of the month—Eid al-Fitr—is a major celebration. Many Muslims will take at least one day of personal leave from work or school to celebrate with their families.

In 2026, because the start of Ramadan falls on a Wednesday, the transition into the fasting month will happen during the standard American work week. Most observers will go about their daily professional lives while beginning their spiritual journey.

Summary of Key Dates for 2026

To help with planning, here is the tentative timeline for the 2026 season: Start of Ramadan: Evening of February 17 or 18, 2026. First Full Day of Fasting: February 18, 2026. Mid-Ramadan: Approximately March 3, 2026. Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power): Expected around March 16, 2026.

• Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan): Expected around March 19 or 20, 2026.

Ramadan in the United States is a testament to the country's religious freedom and cultural diversity. It is a month that challenges the body but nourishes the soul, bringing communities together in a shared commitment to faith, family, and charity. Whether you are observing the fast or simply observing the traditions of your neighbors, it is a time of peace and reflection that enriches the American social fabric.