Reposted from The Siskiyou Daily News
Muslims in California and worldwide prepare to observe Ramadan — a month of fasting, reflection and religious study — starting in February in 2026.
Followers of Islam mark the 29-30 day period each lunar year with family and community gatherings, special prayers, abstinence from certain behaviors and other practices they say are intended to cultivate self-restraint and bring them closer to God. They believe Ramadan is a holy month that marks God's gift of the Quran, the Islamic faith's holy book, to the Prophet Muhammad.
Here's what to know about Ramadan in 2026 and how to know when it starts and ends in California.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar, represents the time of year Muslims believe God sent the angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad to reveal the first verses of the Quran.
Zakat Foundation spokesperson Tyler Mallari told USA Today that Ramadan "is a time for Muslims to come together, focus on their spiritual and personal development, and spend time giving charity and gathering with their community for prayers and events."
Why does Ramadan come earlier every year?
Unlike the 365-day Gregorian Calendar, the Islamic Calendar is based on lunar cycles and follows the moon’s phases.
Because lunar cycles are shorter than solar cycles, Ramadan usually falls roughly 10-11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.
When does Ramadan start in California?
For Californian Muslims, the potential starting date for Ramadan is the evening of Feb. 18, but that’s not definite yet, said Islamic Center of San Francisco representative Imam Faiz.
Sometimes Ramadan is 29 days, and sometimes it’s 30 days long, depending on when the new moon rises, he said; so it may start as early as Feb. 17.
Some Muslims prefer to use NASA's or other scientific calculations for the time and date the moon rises, while others prefer to eyeball it. If the new moon isn't visible in often-foggy San Francisco, Bay Area Muslims can check with Islamic centers in other US time zones that have a clear view and do the calculations for Pacific Standard Time, he said.
"Those who follow astronomical calculations will likely begin Taraweeh (prayers) on Tuesday night, Feb. 17," Imam Faiz said. "However, for those (Muslims) who strictly follow naked-eye sightings, if the moon is not visible on the 17th, Taraweeh will most likely begin ... Feb. 18," he said.
For the Islamic Center of San Francisco’s time and date announcement, go to icofsf.org.
Who fasts during Ramadan and why?
Muslims who reached puberty and don't have a physical condition that prohibits it fast from sunrise to sunset daily during Ramadan.
Fasting means abstaining from eating, drinking, and sex, according to the Intercultural Networks Group out of San Jose.
While they don’t fast all day, children as young as 7 may choose to fast for shorter periods in preparation for adulthood observance and to make them feel included. Some mosques celebrate a youth’s first full day of fasting as a rite of passage.
Muslims also work to correct negative behaviors during Ramadan. Those bad behaviors and habits include telling lies, gossiping, and bickering.
When does Ramadan end?
Ramadan is slated to end on March 19 or 20. Again, this depends on the moon's cycle.
Despite the possible starting dates for Ramadan, it's likely "everyone will celebrate Eid al-Fitr together on Friday, March 20th," Imam Faiz said.
What is Eid-al-Fitr?
After Ramadan ends and the sun rises the next day, Eid al-Fitr begins, a time of celebration.
Literally translated, the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast, followers of Islam attend religious services, pray, and give gifts, money, and new clothes to their children.
For more information on ways to celebrate Ramadan and important dates during the month, visit ing.org/resources.
USA Today reporter Sarah Al-Arshani contributed to this story.
Jessica Skropanic is a features reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. She covers science, arts, social issues and news stories. Follow her on Twitter @RS_JSkropanic and on Facebook.
