Ramadan 2026 Iftar Time: February Sunset Prayer Schedules Released
The official Iftar and Sahur schedules for the month of Ramadan 2026 have been released for major cities, establishing the daily fasting and prayer times for observers. These schedules define the precise moment of sunset when the daily fast is broken through the evening prayer. Local religious directorates have updated these timings to reflect the seasonal shifts in daylight throughout February.
TL;DR
- Official sunset times set for Iftar during February 2026.
- Schedules include Sahur (pre-dawn) and Iftar (sunset) timings.
- Direct impact on daily religious observance for fasting individuals.
- Ensures synchronized communal prayer and fasting across major regions.
What Happened
The religious authorities have finalized and published the comprehensive Ramadan calendar for February 2026. This release provides the specific minute-by-minute schedules for Sahur and Iftar across various metropolitan regions. The timing for breaking the fast is determined by the local sunset, which varies slightly by geographic location.
Consistent with annual tradition, the schedules were calculated and distributed to provide clarity on the start and end of the daily fast. For cities such as Istanbul, Bursa, and Mardin, the evening Azan (call to prayer) signifies the exact moment of Iftar. These schedules are based on astronomical calculations provided by the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet).
Key Developments
Official announcements confirmed the specific times for the evening prayer (Maghrib), which coincides with the Iftar meal. In Istanbul, the schedule for late February has been fixed based on the local solar cycle. Similar releases were made for Bursa and Burdur, detailing both the pre-dawn meal deadline and the sunset breaking of the fast.
These developments ensure that observers can plan daily activities and community gatherings around accurate prayer times. The data is traditionally disseminated through official government religious portals and regional prayer centers to prevent discrepancies in local observance.
Why This Matters
The publication of these schedules is essential for the logistical coordination of the month of Ramadan. It dictates the timing of communal meals, mosque attendance, and workplace adjustments for those fasting. Accurate timing is a religious requirement for the validity of the fast according to Islamic law.
What Happens Next
The daily schedules will be followed throughout the remainder of the month of Ramadan. Local timings will continue to shift by approximately one to two minutes each day as the season progresses toward spring. Authorities will continue to broadcast the Azan in accordance with these official calculations.
FAQ
Did the Iftar time change for 2026?
Yes, Iftar times are calculated annually based on the lunar calendar and solar position, meaning they shift each year relative to the Gregorian calendar.
Why did the Iftar time move earlier or later?
The time for Iftar is strictly tied to the moment of sunset. As the days lengthen or shorten depending on the season, the time to break the fast moves accordingly.
What happened during the official schedule release?
The Presidency of Religious Affairs released a complete calendar detailing Sahur and Iftar times for every province to ensure unified religious observance.
Is the Iftar schedule under investigation?
No, the schedules are standard astronomical calculations provided by recognized religious authorities and are not subject to investigation.
What is the outcome of the February schedule release?
The release provides residents in cities like Istanbul and Bursa with the exact times required to begin and end their daily fasts accurately.
