The holy month of Ramadan 2026 is set to begin on either February 18 or 19, depending on the crescent moon sighting. Muslims worldwide will fast from dawn to dusk for 29 or 30 days. The length of fasting varies by location—anywhere from 11.5 to 15.5 hours. During Ramadan, Muslims avoid eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual relations during daylight to increase their consciousness of God or “taqwa.” Ramadan starts about 10 to 12 days earlier each year because it follows the lunar Hijri calendar with 29 or 30-day months. This means the fasting hours change each year. In 2026, most people in the Northern Hemisphere will fast about 12 to 13 hours at the start, as it is winter there. Fasting hours will grow longer during Ramadan. Meanwhile, people south of the equator in countries like Chile, New Zealand, and South Africa will fast 14 to 15 hours initially, with hours shortening over the month. By 2031, Ramadan will fall during the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, bringing the shortest fasting days. Interestingly, in 2030, Ramadan will happen twice—starting January 5 and again December 26—because the lunar year is 11 days shorter than the solar year. Muslims greet each other with "Ramadan Mubarak" or "Ramadan Kareem," wishing a blessed or generous Ramadan. The differences in fasting hours and greetings show the beautiful diversity in this important month, observed by millions globally.