Ramadan Guide: Fasting, Suhoor, Iftar and Everything You Need to Know

The month of Ramadan is one of the most spiritually significant periods for Muslims. In this guide, we cover all the commonly asked questions about Ramadan and fasting, based on generally accepted information.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar and is a blessed period when fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam, is observed.

During this month, Muslims fast from the pre-dawn meal (suhoor) until sunset (iftar), abstaining from food, drink, and certain behaviors. Ramadan is considered not just a physical abstinence but also a time for spiritual purification and self-improvement.

At the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast) is celebrated, which typically lasts for three days.

When Does Ramadan Begin and End?

Ramadan is determined according to the Hijri calendar and starts approximately 10-11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. Therefore, Ramadan can occur in different seasons.

The estimated dates for Ramadan in 2026 are:

• Start: February 19, 2026 (estimated)
• End: March 19, 2026 (estimated)
• Eid al-Fitr: March 20-22, 2026 (estimated)

These dates may shift by a day depending on the sighting of the new moon. For exact dates, we recommend following official religious authority announcements.

What is Fasting?

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and is considered an important act of worship for every Muslim during Ramadan. A person who fasts does not eat, drink water, or engage in certain behaviors from the pre-dawn (suhoor) time until the sunset (iftar) time.

The main purposes of fasting are:

• Disciplining the self
• Developing patience and gratitude
• Understanding the condition of the poor and needy
• Spiritual purification

Who Fasts?

According to Islamic understanding, fasting during Ramadan is an important act of worship for every Muslim who has reached puberty and is of sound mind.

However, certain situations may make fasting difficult or allow for postponement:

Those Who May Have Difficulty Fasting:

• The sick: Those with serious health conditions
• Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers: May be evaluated based on health condition
• Travelers: Those on long journeys
• The elderly: Those of advanced age and weakened condition
• Women during menstruation: Fasting is not observed during this period and is made up later

When one of these situations applies, it is recommended that the person consider their health condition and individual circumstances, and consult a specialist or religious official if necessary.

What Do Suhoor and Iftar Mean?

During Ramadan, the daily fast is observed between two important times:

Suhoor Time

Suhoor is the time when fasting begins. It starts just before the dawn prayer time, and from this moment, eating and drinking cease.

Suhoor is also the last meal eaten before the suhoor time. Having suhoor is recommended to provide energy throughout the day.

Iftar Time

Iftar is the time when the fast is broken and begins with the evening prayer time. Traditionally, the fast is broken with dates and water, followed by a meal.

To find current suhoor and iftar times, you can use our Prayer Times tool.

Things That Break the Fast

Certain situations break the fast and require it to be made up. According to generally accepted information:

Things That Break the Fast:

• Intentionally eating and drinking water
• Smoking
• Taking medication (orally)
• Intentionally vomiting

Things That Do Not Break or Are Debated:

• Eating or drinking forgetfully (the fast is not broken, continue)
• Brushing teeth (as long as water is not swallowed)
• Eye or ear drops (different opinions exist)
• Injection (non-nutritive)

For detailed information, consulting a religious official may be beneficial.

What to Do During Ramadan?

Ramadan is a special period for worship and spiritual development. Things that can be done during this month:

Acts of Worship:

• Tarawih prayer: A special prayer performed after the night prayer
• Reading the Quran: Reading the Quran holds great spiritual value during Ramadan
• Prayer and remembrance: For spiritual purification
• I'tikaf: Staying in the mosque for worship during the last ten days

Social and Cultural Activities:

• Iftar gatherings: Having iftar together with family and friends
• Helping others: Helping the needy, giving fitrah and zakat
• Family visits: Strengthening relationships with relatives and neighbors
• Suhoor table: Having suhoor together with family

Things to Pay Attention to in Ramadan:

• Eating balanced at suhoor
• Drinking plenty of water (between iftar and suhoor)
• Avoiding excessively salty and sugary foods
• Trying to get enough sleep

The Spiritual and Cultural Significance of Ramadan

Ramadan is not just a fasting period for Muslims but a time for social solidarity and spiritual renewal.

Spiritual Value:

• It is believed that the Quran began to be revealed during this month
• Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power) is sought in the last ten days of Ramadan
• It is accepted that the rewards for worship are multiplied

Cultural Significance:

• In Turkish culture, Ramadan stands out with its rich traditions
• Mahya tradition (illuminated writings hung on mosques)
• Ramadan pita bread and special Ramadan desserts
• Drummer tradition (waking up for suhoor)
• Iftar invitations and social assistance

Nutrition Recommendations During Ramadan

It is important to meet the body's needs during the long hours of fasting. Some general recommendations:

For Suhoor:

• Foods that are filling and contain fiber can be preferred
• Foods like eggs, cheese, whole grain bread
• Drinking plenty of water
• Avoiding very salty and spicy foods

For Iftar:

• Starting with dates and water
• Eating slowly
• Avoiding excessively fatty and heavy meals
• Consuming fruits and vegetables

Note: These recommendations are for general information purposes. It is recommended to consult a specialist according to your health condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Ramadan start in 2026?

Ramadan is expected to start on February 19, 2026. The exact date depends on the sighting of the new moon.

How many hours is fasting?

Fasting duration varies according to seasons and geographical location. In Turkey, fasting duration during Ramadan can vary between approximately 11-16 hours.

Does my fast break if I eat forgetfully?

According to general acceptance, eating or drinking water forgetfully does not break the fast. When you remember, you continue with the fast.

Can I brush my teeth while fasting?

According to general opinion, brushing teeth does not break the fast as long as water is not swallowed. However, some people prefer to leave this for suhoor and iftar times.

What does suhoor time mean?

Suhoor is the time when fasting begins and eating and drinking cease. It is also known as Fajr as-Sadiq and is just before the dawn prayer time.

When is Laylat al-Qadr?

Laylat al-Qadr is sought in the last ten days of Ramadan, usually on odd-numbered nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th nights). The exact date is not known.

When is fitrah given?

Fitrah (Sadaqat al-Fitr) is given during Ramadan, preferably before the Eid al-Fitr prayer.

How many days is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr lasts three days and begins the day after Ramadan ends.

Conclusion

Ramadan is an important period for spiritual purification, patience, gratitude, and social solidarity. In this guide, we have shared general information about Ramadan and fasting.

Since each individual's health condition and circumstances are different, consulting a health specialist or religious official for special situations may be beneficial.

We wish you a blessed Ramadan.

For current prayer times and suhoor-iftar times, you can use our Prayer Times tool.