Rabat – Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on Wednesday, February 18, pending the sighting of the crescent moon, according to Islamic Relief Canada.
As the Islamic calendar follows a lunar cycle, the start of the holy month shifts by roughly ten days each year, placing Ramadan earlier on the Gregorian calendar with each passing year.
The final date remains subject to moon sighting, a practice that continues to shape the start of Ramadan across Muslim communities worldwide, including Canada.
In Canada, preparations for Ramadan often begin well before the official announcement. For the small Muslim population (roughly 5%) mosques, community centers, and family networks await confirmation with a mix of religious attentiveness and quiet anticipation.
While astronomical calculations offer strong indicators, many Canadian Muslims still look to traditional moon sighting methods, either locally or from trusted religious authorities abroad.
This approach reflects the diversity within Canada’s Muslim community, where different schools of thought and cultural traditions coexist.
For the Muslim diaspora in Canada, Ramadan carries layers of meaning that extend beyond fasting.
Moroccan Canadians, alongside communities from South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, recreate familiar rituals while adapting to a different social rhythm.
Despite geographic distance from their countries of origin, many families succeed in shaping an atmosphere that mirrors Ramadan back home, shaped by shared meals, late-night prayers, and collective moments of reflection.
As February approaches, Muslim communities across Canada prepare once again for a month that brings structure, meaning, and a sense of collective belonging.
