First Day of Ramadan 2026, School Holiday & Public Holiday Dates

The date of the First Day of Ramadan 2026, the celebration of the First Day of Ramadan, school holidays and public holidays, reminds us that the First Day of Ramadan is also known as the beginning of Ramadan, marking the first day of the holy fasting month in the Islamic calendar.

Although not a national public holiday, Awal Ramadan has profound religious, cultural and social significance for Muslims across Malaysia.

Date of the First Day of Ramadan 2026

Announcement of Official Holiday Dates for the First Day of Ramadan 2026

If you refer to the 2026 federal and state public holiday schedule by kabinet.gov.my, the First Day of Ramadan will be celebrated in Malaysia on:

February 19, 2026 (Thursday) – First Day of Ramadan (Johor & Kedah)

February 2026

School Holidays in Conjunction with the Public Holiday on the First Day of Ramadan 2026

All students in Malaysia will enjoy the First Day of Ramadan holiday based on their school group in 2026. These dates will help students, parents, and even teachers plan their celebrations and travel arrangements effectively.

Group A

(Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu)

19 February 2026 (Thursday) – School holiday in Kedah only

Group B

(Mellaka, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, WP Kuala Lumpur, WP Labuan and WP Putrajaya)

19 February 2026 (Thursday) – School holiday in Johor only. Normal school day for other states on that day. No additional holiday

If you plan ahead, keep in mind that the school will follow the government's public holiday schedule without additional holidays.

The Ministry of Education has not announced any special/additional arrangements for the celebration of the First Day of Ramadan 2026. You can check the official KPM portal for any latest information on the academic calendar as the celebration date approaches.

Celebrating the First Day of Ramadan in Malaysia

The Hijri calendar is a lunar/lunar calendar calculated based on the movement of the moon around the Sun. There are 12 months in the Islamic calendar starting from the month of Muharram to the month of Zulhijjah. The Gregorian calendar is calculated based on the movement of the earth around the Sun.

Ramadan, the holy month of fasting in the Islamic calendar.

The beginning of Ramadan, also known as the beginning of Ramadan, marks the first day of the holy fasting month in the Islamic calendar. Ramadan is the ninth month and is considered the holiest month in the Islamic calendar and commemorates the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad as a guide for mankind.

The beginning of Ramadan marks the beginning of a month-long period of fasting, spiritual reflection, prayer, and charity for Muslims.

The beginning of Ramadan marks a fresh spiritual beginning where Muslims commit to greater obedience, goodness and piety throughout the month.

The beginning of Ramadan sets the tone for a month of discipline, generosity, and high spirituality.

During this month, Muslims are required to fast as stated in the Quran which means:

The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs of guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you is present during it, let him fast therein…
- — surah Al-Baqarah, verse 185 (ref: https://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan)

The month of Ramadan is a time for Muslims to reflect on themselves, pray, do good deeds and spend time with family and friends. By fasting, Muslims hope to increase their self-discipline and become more generous, remembering the hardships of some people who are less fortunate.

The beginning of Ramadan means :
- The beginning of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Hijri calendar, is the month of fasting for Muslims. It marks the beginning of the obligation to fast from dawn to sunset for a month. Ramadan is also considered a holy month because it is during this month that the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad SAW.

The Beginning of Fasting : The beginning of Ramadan marks the beginning of fasting for Muslims.
The Glorious Month : Ramadan is the most holy month in the Islamic calendar.
The Revelation of the Quran : The Quran was revealed in the month of Ramadan.
Forgiveness of Sins : Ramadan is considered the month of forgiveness of sins.

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and fasting is obligatory for Muslims — symbolizing self-discipline, humility, and empathy for the less fortunate.

The beginning of Ramadan brings families, neighborhoods, and the wider Muslim community together through shared rituals, prayers, and evening meals (breaking the fast).

The official start of Ramadan is confirmed by JAKIM or the state religious council. National announcements are made on TV and radio.

Families stock up on food supplies, plan for sahur (pre-dawn meals), and prepare for changes in daily routines focused on prayer, self-control, and reflection.

In major cities and towns, Ramadan food bazaars are open from the first day, offering local dishes such as ayam percik, murtabak, bubur lambuk, air sirap bandung and a variety of foods to break the fast.

Date of the First Day of Ramadan by Year

2025 March 2 Sunday
February 2026 19 Thursday
2027 February 8 Monday

Dates may vary depending on the Islamic lunar calendar which is based on the moon.

The mosque is the main center for night prayers, free communal iftar meals, Quran recitations and charity walks.

Even non-Muslims participate by respecting the fasting time and visiting the Ramadan bazaars, reflecting the spirit of respect and harmony in Malaysian culture.

It promotes self-awareness and gratitude at both the individual and community levels.