Ramadan 2026 Commences with Global Confirmations and Exemptions Detailed
Ramadan 2026 is set to begin on Wednesday, February 18, as confirmed by multiple nations including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. This announcement follows the sighting of the new moon, marking the start of the Islamic holy month. In Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III, is expected to formally declare the commencement for local Muslims, aligning with international observations.
Understanding Fasting Obligations and Exemptions in Islam
Fasting during Ramadan is a fundamental pillar of Islam, but Islamic teachings provide specific exemptions for certain groups to ensure ease and prevent hardship. These exemptions are based on health, age, and circumstances, with clear guidelines on making up missed fasts or offering compensation.
Eight Categories Exempt from Fasting in Ramadan 2026
- Young Children: Children who have not reached puberty are not obligated to fast, as supported by hadiths that exclude minors from fasting duties until they mature.
- Chronically Ill Individuals: Muslims with severe, incurable illnesses such as stroke or those requiring dialysis are exempt. They may pay fidyah (compensation) by feeding the needy, and if recovery occurs, they must make up the fasts later.
- Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: These women may fast if it poses no risk, but if fasting endangers their health or the baby's well-being, they are exempt and must compensate or make up fasts post-Ramadan.
- People with Physically Demanding Jobs: Labourers in extreme conditions who risk serious health issues may break their fast but are required to make up the days afterward, provided the work is unavoidable.
- Individuals with Mental Disorders: Those with severe mental illnesses that impair rationality are exempt, as sanity is a condition for valid fasting, per Islamic rulings.
- Travellers: Muslims on long journeys (typically over 80 kilometres) are exempt from fasting during travel but must make up the missed days later, as stated in the Quran.
- Women Experiencing Menstruation or Postnatal Bleeding: These women are exempt until their bleeding ceases and are obligated to make up the fasts afterward, though not the missed prayers.
- Elderly Individuals: The elderly may be exempt if they are unable to fast due to age-related frailty or loss of consciousness. They must either make up fasts or provide compensation by feeding the poor.
Consequences and Obligations for Missed Fasts
Islamic scholars emphasise that those exempt from fasting have specific duties. For temporary exemptions, such as illness or travel, making up the fasts after Ramadan is mandatory. For permanent exemptions, like chronic illness or old age, compensation through fidyah is required, ensuring adherence to religious principles while accommodating individual circumstances.
Global and Local Ramadan 2026 Observations
While countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar start fasting on February 18, others including Oman, Turkey, Australia, and Singapore begin on February 19 based on astronomical calculations. In Nigeria, Yoruba Muslim leaders have confirmed the start date through similar methods, highlighting the unity and diversity in Islamic practices worldwide.
This detailed overview provides clarity on Ramadan 2026 exemptions, helping Muslims navigate their religious obligations with understanding and compassion.
