Fasting, particularly in the context of Ramadan—the most widely observed form today—typically starts at dawn (known as Fajr or Suhoor), when the first light appears on the horizon, and continues until sunset (Maghrib). This daily cycle repeats throughout the holy month, with the exact start of Ramadan 2026 expected around the evening of Tuesday, February 17 , making the first full fast likely on Wednesday, February 18 (or February 19 in some regions like the UAE, pending local moon sightings).

Given today's date of February 17, 2026, communities worldwide are either confirming the moon sighting tonight or preparing for tomorrow's fast—check local Islamic authorities for your area's official announcement, as dates can shift by a day.

Ramadan 2026 Timeline

Ramadan follows the lunar Hijri calendar, shifting ~11 days earlier each solar year, so 2026 aligns with late winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

  • Expected Start : Evening of Feb 17 (moon-dependent); first fast Feb 18.
  • Expected End : Evening of March 19, followed by Eid al-Fitr.
  • Duration : About 29-30 days, with ~12-14 hour fasts initially (longer toward equator).
  • Key Practice : Pre-dawn meal (Suhoor) ends at dawn; break fast with dates and water at sunset.

"Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday, 17 February 2026. The first fast is expected to be on Wednesday, 18 February 2026."

Types of Fasting Explained

Fasting isn't one-size-fits-all—here's a breakdown of common types, blending religious and health-focused views:

Religious Fasting (e.g., Ramadan)

  • Begins at astronomical dawn (~4-6 AM locally in Feb 2026), confirmed by moon sighting committees.
  • Exemptions for sick, pregnant, travelers, or elderly—make up days later or offer fidya (charity).
  • Spiritual focus: Prayer, Quran reading, charity; no food, drink, smoking, or intimacy during daylight.

Intermittent Fasting (Health/Wellness)

Forum discussions (e.g., Reddit's r/intermittentfasting) often debate: Does it start post-last bite, or after digestion?

  • Common View : Starts when you stop eating/drinking (e.g., 8 PM for 16:8 method), entering fat-burning after 12 hours.
  • Multi-viewpoint: Purists say "true" fasting begins after glycogen depletes (~12-16 hours); others count from last calorie. No universal rule—track via apps like Zero.
  • Trending Tip: Hydrate well pre-fast; black coffee/tea often allowed.

Fasting Type| Start Trigger| Duration Example| Best For
---|---|---|---
Ramadan 1| Dawn (Fajr)| Dawn to Sunset (~12-14 hrs Feb 2026)| Spiritual growth
16:8 Intermittent 2| Last meal end| 16 hrs (e.g., 8 PM-12 PM)| Weight loss, simplicity
Alternate Day 4| Midnight or post-dinner| 24-36 hrs| Metabolic health (consult doctor)

Preparation Story: A Timeless Ritual

Imagine families tonight in mosques from Jakarta to Dearborn, scanning twilight skies for that slender crescent—much like Prophet Muhammad's era. One viral forum tale: A UAE resident in 2026 shared, "Moon sighted! First Suhoor at 4:30 AM tomorrow—stocked on dates and hydration hacks." Prep involves stocking nutrient-dense foods (oats, fruits for Suhoor), setting prayer alarms, and easing in with shorter fasts if new. Trending now: Apps like Muslim Pro for exact dawn times by ZIP code.

Latest News & Trending Context

  • Moon Sighting Buzz : UAE committees eyed Feb 19 start; global variance expected (e.g., Saudi vs. North America).
  • Forum Chatter : r/fasting sees spikes on "first fast nerves"—normal hunger peaks day 2, eases by day 3.
  • Health Angle : Studies note autophagy ramps up after 12-16 hours, aiding cellular repair—but hydrate post-sunset.

TL;DR : Ramadan fasting starts at dawn (~Feb 18, 2026, locally confirmed); intermittent fasting from your last meal. Stay informed via local moonsighting.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.