Khaberni - The countdown has begun for the approaching holy month of Ramadan for the year 2026, and the astronomical calculations issued by the Solar Research Laboratory at the National Institute for Astronomical and Geophysical Research in Egypt indicated that the new moon of Sha'ban 1447 AH will be born on Wednesday, January 29, 2026, precisely at 2:37 PM Cairo time, and consequently, Thursday, January 30, 2026, will be the last day of the month of Rajab, marking the beginning of the month of Sha'ban astronomically on Friday, January 31, 2026.
The calculations indicate that the new moon will occur after sunset on that day, making its sighting on Sunday evening impossible, so Monday, January 19, 2026, will complete the month of Rajab 1447 AH. According to astronomical estimates, Tuesday, January 20, 2026, will be the first day of the month of Sha'ban 1447 AH astronomically, continuing for a duration of 29 days.
Experts confirmed that these calculations are based on precise astronomical standards, with emphasis that the religious sighting of the new moon remains the decisive reference in determining the beginnings of the Hijri months, according to what the specialized religious authorities announce.
The month of Sha'ban holds a special status among Muslims as it precedes the blessed month of Ramadan, during which many focus on increasing obedience and spiritual preparation for welcoming the sacred month.
Astronomical calculations have revealed the date for Ramadan 2026, where the end of the month of Sha'ban 1447 AH will fall on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, astronomically, with the first day of fasting expected to be on Thursday, February 19, 2026, pending confirmation of religious sighting by the Egyptian Dar al-Ifta.
According to astronomical indicators, Ramadan 2026 is expected to have relatively moderate fasting hours, due to its coincidence with the winter and early spring seasons. The fasting hours on the first day of the month are expected to be about 12 hours and 40 minutes approximately, with slight variations between provinces due to geographical differences.
As the days of Ramadan progress, fasting hours may gradually increase to an average of between 12 and 13 hours daily. Ramadan 2026 is one of the years in which fasting hours are fewer compared to the years when the month falls in the summer season, where the daily fasting duration is calculated based on the times of sunrise and the Maghrib call to prayer.
According to astronomical calculations, Ramadan for the year 1447 AH is expected to last 30 days with the last day of Ramadan astronomically being Thursday, March 19, 2026, and the first day of Eid al-Fitr astronomically falling on Friday, March 20, 2026. These dates remain estimates until the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal and the official announcement from the relevant religious authorities.
