Muslim Religious Holidays 2026

February 17

The holy month of fasting begins. Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and sexual relations from dawn to sunset for 29–30 days. It is a time of heightened prayer, Quran recitation, and charity.

March 13

Observed on the 27th night of Ramadan (dates may vary). The Night of Power commemorates the revelation of the first verses of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. Prayer on this night is said to be worth more than a thousand months of worship.

March 20

The Festival of Breaking the Fast, celebrating the end of Ramadan. Muslims perform a special morning prayer, give Zakat al-Fitr (charitable giving), and gather with family and friends for festive meals.

May 26

The holiest day of the Islamic year. Hajj pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat to pray. Muslims not on Hajj are encouraged to fast this day, which is said to expiate sins of the previous and coming year.

May 27

The Festival of Sacrifice, commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Muslims perform a special prayer and sacrifice an animal, distributing the meat to family, neighbors, and the poor.

June 16

The first day of the Islamic lunar year. Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam. Many Muslims mark the day with prayer and reflection rather than festivity.

June 25

Observed on the 10th of Muharram. Sunni Muslims fast this day, as the Prophet fasted to mark Moses' deliverance. For Shia Muslims it is a major day of mourning commemorating the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali.

September 4

Commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. Many Muslims mark this day with prayers, recitations of the Quran, and gatherings. Note: observance varies — some Muslim communities do not celebrate it.