Ramadan in Singapore

When is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Hijri calendar and the only month during which fasting (sawm) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Because the lunar year is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year, Ramadan shifts earlier each year.

Estimated start dates for the coming years in Singapore (subject to moon sighting confirmation by MUIS):

• Ramadan 1447 AH — approximately Tuesday, 17 February 2026
• Ramadan 1448 AH — approximately Sunday, 7 February 2027
• Ramadan 1449 AH — approximately Thursday, 27 January 2028
• Ramadan 1450 AH — approximately Monday, 15 January 2029
• Ramadan 1451 AH — approximately Saturday, 5 January 2030

Use the Hijri date converter on the home page to see a live countdown to the next Ramadan in MUIS, MABIMS or Umm al-Qura.

Daily fasting hours in Singapore

Singapore sits just one degree north of the equator, so day and night stay close to 12 hours all year. During Ramadan, fasting hours typically run from around 5:40 AM (imsak / fajr) to about 7:15 PM (maghrib)— roughly 13½ hours. Exact times for sahur and iftar are published daily by MUIS for each of Singapore's five prayer time zones.

Sahur and iftar etiquette

• Sahur — the pre-dawn meal. Sunnah is to delay it until just before fajr.
• Imsak — a precautionary cut-off about 10 minutes before fajr.
• Iftar — break fast at maghrib, traditionally with dates and water before the maghrib prayer.
• Avoid wastage. MUIS regularly campaigns against food waste during Ramadan bazaars.

Terawih and tahajjud prayers

Terawih are special night prayers performed after isyak, typically in 8 or 20 raka'at depending on the masjid. Most mosques in Singapore — including Masjid Sultan, Masjid An-Nur, and Masjid Maarof — hold congregational terawih every night of Ramadan, with quran recitation aimed at completing the full Mushaf by the 27th or 29th night.

Lailatul Qadar — the Night of Power

The most blessed night of the year is sought in the odd-numbered nights of the last ten days of Ramadan (21, 23, 25, 27, 29). Singaporean Muslims commonly increase quran recitation, perform i'tikaf at mosques, and give additional sadaqah during this period.

Zakat fitrah in Singapore

Zakat fitrah is obligatory on every Muslim and must be paid before the Hari Raya Aidilfitri prayer. In Singapore, MUIS publishes the rate each year. For Ramadan 1446 AH (2025), the rate was set at S$5.50 per person (rice grade) or S$7.50 (premium grade). You can pay zakat fitrah online via the MUIS portal, at any mosque, or through participating banks.

Working during Ramadan

Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) encourage employers to be reasonable with break times during Ramadan — for example, allowing a short window for iftar if work extends past sunset. Many employers offer flexible arrangements during this month.

Ramadan bazaars and community life

The annual Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar is the largest in Singapore, alongside bazaars at Wisma Geylang Serai and Kampong Glam. Expect traditional Malay kuih, vadai, dendeng, and modern fusion favourites. Mosques across the island also organise community iftar sessions open to anyone, Muslim or not.

Plan ahead

For the most accurate prayer times and fasting schedules, refer to the official MUIS calendar and apps. Use this site to track the Hijri date and count down to the start of Ramadan, the last 10 nights, and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.