When is last day of Ramadan 2026? When is Eid al-Fitr? What to know

The end of Ramadan is nearly here, closing out a month of fasting, prayer and charity.

The appearance of the crescent moon during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar marks the start of Ramadan. This year that happened on Feb. 17. Mosques fill with the faithful praying together. In addition to prayers and acts of charity, fasting is a hallmark of Ramadan.

Ramadan does have some elements of atonement, but the month-long celebration is more about taking time to reflect on self-improvement, worship, compassion and acts of charity.

Here's everything to know about the end of Ramadan and how it is celebrated.

When does Ramadan end this year?

Ramadan ends on Thursday, March 19. Eid al-Fitr, the celebration that marks the end of Ramadan, is expected to be observed on Thursday, March 19, or Friday, March 20.

When did Ramadan start this year?

Ramadan began on Feb. 17.

How long is Ramadan fasting?

Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the moon.

Why is Ramadan earlier this year?

Because Ramadan follows the lunar calendar, which is shorter than the sun's cycle, its dates shift ahead by 11 days every year. Last year, for instance, Ramadan started on the evening of Feb. 28. This year, it started on Feb. 17.

What is Ramadan? What religion celebrates it?

During Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to spend more time praying at the mosque. In addition to the five daily prayers, there is a sixth optional prayer, called the Tarawih, which is recited in the evening.

Charity is also an important part of the holy month, including Zakat, an obligatory tithe for which a percentage of one's wealth is given to those in need, as well as nonfinancial forms of charity that can range from volunteering to help others to engaging in small acts of kindness.

Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?

From dawn until sundown, Ramadan observers abstain from food, drink and sexual relations. Many also try to avoid negative or harsh language. The fast is broken after sundown with the iftar meal.

People who are not obligated to fast during Ramadan include pregnant or nursing women, older people, those who are too weak and those who have a chronic or acute illness, or those for whom fasting would have a harmful physical effect. Fasting is not observed while traveling and women cannot participate in the fast while menstruating, though these missed days are made up later in the year.

It is not obligatory for children to fast. Adolescents and some pre-adolescents are introduced to the practice with shorter half-day fasts. Fasting is only obligatory for Muslims once they reach puberty.

When is Eid al-Fitr 2026?

Eid al-Fitr, the celebration that marks the end of Ramadan, is expected to be observed on Thursday, March 19, or Friday, March 20, depending on the sighting of the moon. The holiday is typically celebrated with family gatherings and traditional foods.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: When is last day of Ramadan 2026? What to know