When does Ramadan start in 2027?
It depends on the moon, but most likely on Monday, 8 February 2027. Astronomical estimates put the start of Ramadan 1448 AH on 8 February, with the first night prayers on the evening of 7 February. Some countries and mosques may start a day later. Eid al-Fitr is expected on 9 or 10 March 2027.
Why the date changes every year
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which follows the moon. Each month begins when the new crescent moon appears, so a lunar year is about 11 days shorter than a solar one. That's why Ramadan moves earlier every year: it began in mid-February in 2026 and is expected around 8 February in 2027.
How the start is decided
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Start fasting on seeing the crescent (of Ramadan), and give up fasting on seeing the crescent (of Shawwal), and if the sky is overcast, complete thirty days of Sha'ban" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1909). Communities apply this in different ways:
- Local moon sighting: some mosques wait until the crescent is actually seen in their own country or region on the evening of the 29th of Sha'ban.
- Following another country: many communities in Europe and the USA follow the announcement from Saudi Arabia or another Muslim-majority country.
- Astronomical calculation: some councils, such as the Fiqh Council of North America, fix the date in advance using calculations.
Scholars have differed on this for centuries, and each method is followed in good faith. The simplest approach is to follow your local mosque or community. See Why do Muslims celebrate Eid on different days?
When the first fast actually begins
In Islam, a new day starts at sunset. So if Ramadan begins on 8 February, the month really starts on the evening of 7 February. That night many Muslims pray taraweeh, the special Ramadan night prayer. The first fast then begins at dawn on 8 February: you eat suhoor (a pre-dawn meal) before dawn and break the fast at sunset with iftar (the evening meal).
Fasting days in early February are fairly short in Europe and the USA, often around 11 to 12 hours, which makes 2027 a gentle Ramadan if it's your first one. See Do I have to fast Ramadan in my first year as a Muslim?
Expected dates at a glance
- First night (taraweeh): evening of Sunday, 7 February 2027.
- First day of fasting: Monday, 8 February 2027 (some places 9 February).
- Last ten nights: from around the evening of 27 February, when Muslims seek Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree.
- Eid al-Fitr: Tuesday, 9 March or Wednesday, 10 March 2027, depending on whether Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days.
Treat these as estimates until your mosque confirms them, usually on the evening before. See How do I know which day Eid is?
- Ramadan 2027 is expected to start on 8 February.
- The month begins at sunset; the first fast starts at dawn the next day.
- Dates can differ by a day between countries and mosques.
- Eid al-Fitr is expected on 9 or 10 March 2027.
People also ask
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