Published: February 17, 2026 | Updated: Real-time based on official announcements Focus: United States | For: www.clickusanews.com Author: Click USA News Team

As of February 17, 2026 (evening IST / afternoon US time), the astronomical new moon was born on February 17, but visibility was not confirmed in many regions. Major North American authorities have confirmed dates using calculation methods.

Confirmed Dates for Ramadan 2026 in the United States

According to the Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) and Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) — the primary bodies followed by most American Muslims — Ramadan 1447 AH begins on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

• First day of fasting (1st Ramadan): Wednesday, February 18, 2026
• Tarawih prayers start: Tuesday evening, February 17, 2026
• End of Ramadan: Expected Thursday, March 19, 2026 (29 days) or Friday, March 20, 2026 (30 days), depending on Shawwal moon
• Eid al-Fitr 2026 (1st Shawwal): Friday, March 20, 2026 (most likely, per FCNA calendar) Possible shift to Saturday, March 21 if moon sighting delays

These dates use astronomical calculations (criteria: ≥8° elongation and ≥5° moon altitude somewhere globally at sunset), accepted by FCNA/ISNA for unity in North America. Some communities may follow local physical moon sighting, potentially starting February 19.

Note for American Muslims: Follow your local masjid or FCNA/ISNA announcements. Many mosques align with these for community cohesion.

Fasting Hours in Major US Cities (Approximate, Early Ramadan)

Fasting duration in February–March 2026 is relatively short (winter/spring in Northern Hemisphere), averaging 12–13.5 hours, increasing slightly toward the end.

• New York / East Coast: ~12.5–13 hours (Suhoor ~5:30–6:00 AM, Iftar ~5:30–6:00 PM EST)
• Chicago / Midwest: ~12–13 hours
• Los Angeles / West Coast: ~11.5–12.5 hours (shorter due to later sunset relative to Fajr)
• Houston / South: ~12–13 hours
• Seattle / Northwest: Slightly longer due to northern latitude

Times vary daily; use apps like Muslim Pro, AlAdhan, or IslamicFinder for precise local masjid timetables. Suhoor ends at Fajr; Iftar at Maghrib.

Significance of Ramadan for American Muslims

Ramadan commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). American Muslims — a diverse community of over 3–4 million, including African American, Arab, South Asian, and converts — observe:

• Sawm (dawn-to-dusk fast, no food/drink)
• Increased Salah, including nightly Tarawih
• Quran recitation and reflection
• Extra charity (Sadaqah) and Zakat
• Community iftars, often interfaith

Exemptions apply for health, pregnancy, travel, etc. Many workplaces accommodate with flexible breaks or remote options under Title VII protections.

Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power) — better than 1,000 months — expected around March 16–18, 2026 (odd nights, especially 27th).

How American Muslims Celebrate Eid al-Fitr 2026

Eid al-Fitr (“Festival of Breaking the Fast”) begins after Ramadan ends, with:

• Eid Salah (special congregational prayer, often at large venues or outdoors)
• Zakat al-Fitr (charity before prayer)
• Family gatherings, feasts (sweets like baklava, sheer khurma, dates)
• New clothes, Eidi for kids
• Greetings: “Eid Mubarak!”

In the US, celebrations include community events at Islamic centers, halal festivals, and public recognitions in diverse cities. It’s not a federal holiday but observed by many schools/employers with accommodations.

Quick Reference Table – Ramadan & Eid 2026 (USA, FCNA/ISNA)

Click USA News Tip: Check FCNA.org, ISNA.net, or your local mosque after sunset on key evenings for any updates. Apps and mosque newsletters provide daily prayer/iftar times.

Ramadan Mubarak and Eid Mubarak in advance to all American Muslims from the Click USA News team!