When is Ramadan Begins?
In 2026, Ramadan Begins falls on Thursday, February 19, 2026. It is classified here as a Brunei public holiday.
History of Ramadan Begins
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri calendar and one of the defining seasons of Muslim life. In Brunei, its beginning is included in the official public-holiday calendar, making room for the transition into a month shaped by fasting from dawn to sunset, worship, Qur'an recitation and generosity. The rhythm of work, dining, retail and family life changes noticeably around iftar and the evening hours.
The first day is confirmed through Brunei's official religious process. This holiday should be understood alongside the whole month rather than as a stand-alone festival: Ramadan's daily practices continue after the opening day, and the later Hari Raya Aidilfitri break celebrates its completion. Visitors should be considerate of changing opening times and public etiquette during the month.
Ramadan Begins is governed in practice by Brunei Darussalam’s gazetted annual holiday circular, not by an unsourced repeating calendar. Public holiday on 1 Ramadan marking the start of a month of fasting, prayer, charitable practice and changed daily rhythms across Brunei. The circular controls the 2026 civil date and any expressly stated replacement day, while the Employment Act governs covered private-sector employees and essential services may remain rostered. Religious programmes, state ceremonies and commercial opening hours should therefore be checked separately rather than treated as identical consequences of public-holiday status.
How Ramadan Begins is observed
A nationwide public holiday on 1 Ramadan. The civil date shown is a long-range planning estimate. Brunei's annual official circular and local moon-sighting announcement determine the final public date and any replacement day. Covered private-sector entitlements, government-office closure and essential-service rosters should be checked under their applicable rules.
Traditions of Ramadan Begins
Fasting and iftar
Many households fast by day and gather at sunset for iftar, often beginning with dates and water. Participation and programme details vary among Brunei’s households, districts and responsible institutions.
Night prayer
Mosques become especially active after sunset, with additional worship and Qur'an recitation. Participation and programme details vary among Brunei’s households, districts and responsible institutions.
Charity
Food sharing, donations and support for neighbours are central to the social ethic of the month. Participation and programme details vary among Brunei’s households, districts and responsible institutions.
Dates and observance rules are checked against the official Brunei official and legal guidance. Lunar dates, annual Prime Minister’s Office notices and employer schedules should be confirmed against official notices.
History sources: Prime Minister's Office: Brunei Darussalam public holidays for 2026, Prime Minister's Office: 2026 public-holiday circular, Attorney General's Chambers: Employment Act, public-holiday schedule.
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