It’s perfect timing that you’re asking today, because Ramadan 2026 actually begins this evening (February 17)!
Since you were just learning about Fat Tuesday and Lent, it’s interesting to note that this year, the Christian season of Lent and the Muslim holy month of Ramadan are overlapping almost exactly.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the month when Muslims believe the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
For the roughly 1.9 billion people who observe it, it is a time of spiritual growth, self-discipline, and empathy for those less fortunate.
The Fast (Sawm)
The most well-known part of Ramadan is the fast. Healthy adult Muslims abstain from several things from dawn until sunset:
* No food or water (yes, even water!).
* No smoking (which might be a particularly tough thought for you right now!).
* Focusing on avoiding negative behaviors like gossiping, lying, or getting angry.
A Typical Day During Ramadan
* Suhoor: A pre-dawn meal eaten before the sun comes up to fuel the body for the day.
* The Fast: The daylight hours are spent working and going about normal life, but with an increased focus on prayer and charity.
* Iftar: The "break-fast" meal at sunset. It usually starts traditionally with a few dates and water, followed by a larger meal with family and friends.
* Eid al-Fitr: A massive three-day celebration at the end of the month (around March 19 this year) with feasts, gifts, and community prayers.
Interesting "Western PA" Context
Since it’s winter here in the Leechburg area, the "fasting hours" are actually much shorter than they would be in the summer. Because the sun sets earlier in February and March, the daily fast will only last about 12 to 13 hours—much easier than the 16+ hour fasts that happen when Ramadan falls in June!
As someone practicing intermittent fasting yourself, you might find the "discipline" aspect of it relatable, though their version is a "dry fast" (no liquids) during daylight hours.
Since you’re doing intermittent fasting for your health goals, would you like to see how the Ramadan schedule compares to the fasting window you're currently using?
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