Day 1 Prayer Timing in Amman, Cairo, Istanbul, Tehran, Ankara, Beirut, Sanaa – Ramadan 2026

• Khalid Al Mansoor
• . February 18, 2026
• . Update: February 18, 2026 2:30 pm
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For millions across the Levant and North Africa, the wait is finally over. The crescent moon has been sought, the lanterns (fanous) are lit, and the streets are buzzing with a quiet, holy anticipation. Wednesday, February 18, 2026, marks the likely start of the holy month of Ramadan for the majority of the region.

The first day is always the most significant. It is the day the body resets, the coffee withdrawals hit, and the spirit soars. It sets the rhythm for the next 30 days of spiritual discipline. But unlike the summer Ramadans of the past decade, the 2026 Winter Ramadan brings shorter fasting hours and cooler breezes, making the “Day 1” transition gentler than usual.

Below is the definitive prayer schedule for the first day of Ramadan 2026. These timings cover the critical window of Fajr (when Suhoor ends and fasting begins) and Maghrib (when the cannon fires and Iftar begins).

The Day 1 Schedule: February 18, 2026

Note: Timings are based on local time zones. While most nations are expected to start on Feb 18, always follow your local moon-sighting authority.

1. Amman, Jordan

Amman enters Ramadan with its signature hills echoing the Adhan. The weather in February is crisp, perfect for the pre-Iftar rush on Rainbow Street.

• Fajr (Fasting Begins): 05:17 AM
• Dhuhr: 12:18 PM
• Asr: 3:38 PM
• Maghrib (Iftar): 5:21 PM
• Isha: 7:06 PM

2. Cairo, Egypt

In the “City of a Thousand Minarets,” the first day is electric. The fast is slightly longer here than in the Levant, but the collective energy of 20 million people breaking fast at once is unmatched.

• Fajr (Fasting Begins): 05:12 AM
• Dhuhr: 12:09 PM
• Asr: 3:20 PM
• Maghrib (Iftar): 5:46 PM
• Isha: 7:01 PM

3. Beirut, Lebanon

Beirutis will enjoy a relatively short fast this year. The coastal humidity is low in February, making the first day’s thirst much more manageable.

• Fajr (Fasting Begins): 04:56 AM
• Dhuhr: 11:52 AM
• Asr: 3:00 PM
• Maghrib (Iftar): 5:25 PM
• Isha: 6:44 PM

4. Istanbul, Turkey

For those in Istanbul, the fast is defined by the late winter sun. The Bosphorus looks grey and serene, and the queues for piping hot pide bread start forming by 4:00 PM.

• Fajr (Fasting Begins): 06:23 AM
• Dhuhr: 1:18 PM
• Asr: 4:14 PM
• Maghrib (Iftar): 6:42 PM
• Isha: 8:09 PM

5. Ankara, Turkey

The capital sees a similar schedule to Istanbul but with the distinct chill of the Anatolian plateau.

• Fajr (Fasting Begins): 06:07 AM
• Dhuhr: 1:07 PM
• Asr: 4:04 PM
• Maghrib (Iftar): 6:35 PM
• Isha: 7:53 PM

6. Tehran, Iran

Tehran’s timing often depends on a separate moon sighting, which may push Day 1 to Thursday. However, for those starting Wednesday, the schedule is as follows:

• Fajr (Fasting Begins): 05:24 AM
• Dhuhr: 12:18 PM
• Asr: 3:23 PM
• Maghrib (Iftar): 6:07 PM
• Isha: 6:55 PM

7. Sanaa, Yemen

Sanaa, with its high altitude and southern latitude, offers a consistent day length. The ancient city comes alive at night, with the chewing of Qat and late-night prayers dominating the post-Iftar hours.

• Fajr (Fasting Begins): 05:13 AM
• Dhuhr: 12:18 PM
• Asr: 3:38 PM
• Maghrib (Iftar): 6:08 PM
• Isha: 7:38 PM

The “Winter Ramadan” Advantage

This year, the Winter Ramadan phenomenon is a blessing. With Iftar times ranging from 5:20 PM to 6:40 PM across the region, the fasting window is approximately 12 to 13 hours—significantly shorter than the 16-hour fasts of the 2010s.

Whether you are breaking your fast with a simple date in Sanaa or a full feast in Istanbul, the spirit remains the same. May your Day 1 be easy, your prayers answered, and your Iftar delicious. Ramadan Kareem!

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