Stechford Masjid in Birmingham has unveiled its Ramadan 2026 timetable, detailing prayer times and meal schedules for the holy month. The schedule is based on predictions from Saudi Arabia’s Umm al-Qura Calendar but includes a disclaimer that the dates are subject to change pending the moon’s sighting.
Fasting during Ramadan begins before dawn with the pre-fast meal known as suhoor or sehri, concluding roughly an hour before sunrise. The fast is broken at sunset with iftar, the evening meal. According to the timetable, fasting will commence on February 18, 2026, and conclude on March 20, marking Eid al-Fitr, the start of the Islamic month of Shawwal.
The year corresponds to 1447 in the Islamic lunar calendar, which moves backward about 10 or 11 days annually relative to the Gregorian calendar. Different authorities use varied methods to set the exact start of Ramadan. For example, the Fiqh Council of North America uses advanced astronomical calculations, adhering to criteria from Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradawi of the European Council for Fatwa and Research, to determine the new moon’s visibility.
READ MORE: Common Contraceptive Pill Raises Cancer Risk Years After Use
READ MORE: Dudley Council Proposes Nearly 10% Price Increase for Essential Telecare Service
The astronomical new moon for Ramadan 1447 is predicted on February 17, 2026, at 12:00 Universal Time. Calculations suggest the moon will not be visible that day as it will be below the horizon. Consequently, the council sets the first day of Ramadan as Thursday, February 19, with Tarawih night prayers beginning on the evening before. The new moon for Eid al-Fitr is forecasted on March 19 at 1:23 Universal Time, with visibility across North America ensuring Eid celebrations on March 20, 2026.
Globally, it is anticipated that the moon will not be visible anywhere—whether in Saudi Arabia, Morocco, the UK, or other Muslim-majority countries—on February 17. This challenges the February 18 start date suggested by Saudi Arabia’s calendar, leaning toward February 19 as the more likely beginning of Ramadan.
However, Saudi Arabia may still report a confirmed moon sighting on February 17, maintaining the earlier date. In the UK, some Islamic centres, like Green Lane Masjid in Birmingham, follow official Saudi announcements, while others wait for local moon sightings to finalize Ramadan’s commencement.
As always, worshippers are encouraged to stay informed through their local mosques and authorities for any last-minute adjustments.