Expected · FCNA calendar · 1448 AH
Ramadan 2027
- Opening evening
- Sunset, Sunday 7 February 2027
- First fasting day
- Monday 8 February 2027
- Last fasting day
- Monday 8 March 2027
- Eid al-Fitr
- Tuesday 9 March 2027
The year in faith
Holy Days & Observances
Fasting, pilgrimage, generosity and remembrance. Understand what Muslims observe, why it matters, and where traditions differ.
This is an educational guide for readers worldwide. It covers major observances, not every local custom or commemorative day. An observance may be a celebration, a fast or a time of mourning.
A two-year planning guide
Ramadan 2027 & 2028
Expected dates below follow the Fiqh Council of North America’s calculated calendar. The opening evening and final fast are derived from its Ramadan and Shawwal month starts. They are a named planning reference, not dates confirmed for every country.
Expected · FCNA calendar · 1449 AH
Ramadan 2028
- Opening evening
- Sunset, Thursday 27 January 2028
- First fasting day
- Friday 28 January 2028
- Last fasting day
- Friday 25 February 2028
- Eid al-Fitr
- Saturday 26 February 2028
Allow for local differences. The Muslim Council of Britain’s Ramadan Guide (page 27) lists the same first fasting days but projects Eid one day later: 10 March 2027 and 27 February 2028, subject to moon sighting. For planning, expect Eid around 9–10 March 2027 and 26–27 February 2028. These ranges do not replace a local announcement.
One month. Different local announcements.
Check the authority you follow
Communities use local or wider moon sightings, astronomical calculations, or a religious authority’s announcement. Even people in the same country can follow different decisions. Confirm Ramadan and Eid with your mosque or chosen authority.
Use your local clock
Ramadan opens at local sunset before the first fast. Each day’s fast runs from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib), not from sunrise. Suhoor and iftar times depend on your city, date and accepted calculation method. A single worldwide fasting timetable would be misleading.
High latitudes and travel
Where twilight or daylight patterns require special arrangements, follow qualified local guidance. These date cards do not calculate prayer times, decide personal exemptions or prescribe how travellers should fast.
Sources: FCNA on calculation, sighting and community decisions; Qur’an 2:185 and 2:187. Calendar sources checked 20 October 2026. Future dates remain subject to the authority followed.
The Islamic year at a glance
The Hijri calendar follows lunar months, so these observances move through the Gregorian seasons over time. The month and day below identify their place in that calendar.
Meaning before the date.
Start with a short explanation, then explore the sources, practices and differences.
01 / Shared Muslim observance · local calendars and practices vary
Ramadan: fasting, revelation and a shared month
Ramadan brings fasting, prayer, Qur’an reading and generosity into the rhythm of daily life. Its meaning goes beyond going without food, and its dates and daily hours need local confirmation.
02 / Shared significance · Sunni and Shia differences in identifying the nightLaylat al-Qadr: why one night receives such attention
The Night of Decree, also called the Night of Power, connects Ramadan with the revelation of the Qur’an. Muslims devote particular attention to prayer and reflection, while traditions differ over whic
03 / Widely shared festival · local dates and customs differEid al-Fitr: completing Ramadan with gratitude and generosity
Eid al-Fitr marks the completion of Ramadan. Prayer, food, visiting and giving bring celebration into community life, while the date follows the beginning of Shawwal in the calendar a community accept
04 / Shared pilgrimage · particular rites and rulings require guidanceHajj and Arafah: pilgrimage, presence and accountability
Hajj is the pilgrimage to Makkah for Muslims able to undertake it. The Day of Arafah is central to its rites and also draws the attention of Muslims who remain at home.
05 / Shared festival · scripture, interpretation and custom distinguishedEid al-Adha: Ibrahim, devotion and sharing
Eid al-Adha recalls Ibrahim’s willingness to obey God. It joins the pilgrimage season with prayer, sacrifice and generosity among Muslims around the world.
06 / Sunni and Shia perspectives · remembrance is not always celebrationMuharram and Ashura: a new year, fasting and remembrance
Muharram opens the Islamic year. Its tenth day, Ashura, has different emphases across Muslim traditions, including voluntary fasting and the mourning of Husayn’s death at Karbala.
Sources are identified in each guide. Sunni and Shia perspectives are distinguished where relevant. Independent specialist review remains pending.