Rabat – The Muslim community in Germany is expected to observe the first day of Ramadan 2026 on February 18, according to Hamariweb.
Based on astronomical predictions, the crescent moon of Ramadan for the year 1447 AH will emerge on February 17. Thus, February 18 is set to mark the onset of the month of Ramadan in the European country.
The customary gathering of Muslim leaders and imams at mosques in Germany on Sha’ban 29, known as the “night of doubt,” will precede the official announcement. Sha’ban is the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
The moon sighting committee convenes after sunset to observe the crescent moon, which dictates the beginning of Ramadan.
The sighting of Ramadan’s crescent moon on February 17 would designate February 18 as the first day of the holy month. However, should the moon sighting committee encounter challenges in sighting the crescent moon, Ramadan would then commence on February 19.
Some Muslim communities in Germany prefer to follow Saudi Arabia’s official announcement.
The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, meaning that Sha’ban and subsequent Islamic months span between 29 and 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon.
Germany is home to around 5.5 million Muslims, making up approximately 6.6% of the country’s total population. Muslims represent the second-largest religious group in Germany after Christians.
Celebrating Ramadan in Germany is a largely different experience from observing it in a Muslim-majority country. For instance, the sense of community is harder to find, with traditions, such as family iftars and mosque gatherings, largely absent from daily life.
However, the key religious aspects of the holy month remain the same, including fasting from sunrise to sunset and increased prayer and reflection.
In addition, in cities with large Muslim populations like Berlin, Frankfurt, or Hamburg, mosques and cultural centers often organize iftar gatherings and night prayers (Taraweeh). This helps create more of a communal atmosphere for Muslims, especially students.
