Ramadan@Duke
“You who believe, fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may be mindful of God.” – Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183
One of the most sacred months in the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is observed as a month of fasting, reflection, and prayer. Many Muslims will fast from food & drink (including water) from dawn until some time around sunset. We estimate that nearly 400 of the Muslims at Duke will participate in the CML's Ramadan programming.
Wednesday, February 18th
The CML follows the opinion of the Fiqh Council of North America and the Triangle Imams Council (TIC) on calculating when Ramadan will begin and end.
As we approach the month of Ramadan, we want to share an important update regarding the start date of fasting at Duke.
As many in the Muslim community know, there are longstanding scholarly differences regarding how the beginning of Ramadan is determined. Some communities determine the start of the month based on the physical sighting of the new moon. Others determine it through astronomical calculation of the lunar cycle. Both approaches are rooted in recognized Islamic legal scholarship.
Since 2018, the Center for Muslim Life has followed the opinion of the Fiqh Council of North America in conjunction with the local Council of Imams in the Triangle area, both of which previously aligned on using astronomical calculation to determine the start of Ramadan.
In January of 2026, the CML learned that those two bodies reached different conclusions on the start of Ramadan. After careful consideration, the Center for Muslim Life has decided to follow the decision of the local Council of Imams for Ramadan 2026. Since most of our students, faculty, and staff will be fasting and celebrating Eid with local masjids in the Triangle area, we believe aligning with the local council best serves community cohesion and practical coordination.
Although we had originally communicated that the first day of fasting would be Wednesday, February 18, the CML will now observe the first day of fasting on Thursday, February 19.
We recognize that changes in religious observance dates can create logistical challenges for students, campus partners, and departments planning programs. We sincerely apologize for any confusion this shift may cause and appreciate your understanding.
Ramadan Mubarak and a blessed Ramadan to the Duke community and all who will be fasting this month.
Thursday, February 19th
The CML follows the opinion of the Fiqh Council of North America and the Triangle Imams Council (TIC) on calculating when Ramadan will begin and end.
As we approach the month of Ramadan, we want to share an important update regarding the start date of fasting at Duke.
As many in the Muslim community know, there are longstanding scholarly differences regarding how the beginning of Ramadan is determined. Some communities determine the start of the month based on the physical sighting of the new moon. Others determine it through astronomical calculation of the lunar cycle. Both approaches are rooted in recognized Islamic legal scholarship.
Since 2018, the Center for Muslim Life has followed the opinion of the Fiqh Council of North America in conjunction with the local Council of Imams in the Triangle area, both of which previously aligned on using astronomical calculation to determine the start of Ramadan.
In January of 2026, the CML learned that those two bodies reached different conclusions on the start of Ramadan. After careful consideration, the Center for Muslim Life has decided to follow the decision of the local Council of Imams for Ramadan 2026. Since most of our students, faculty, and staff will be fasting and celebrating Eid with local masjids in the Triangle area, we believe aligning with the local council best serves community cohesion and practical coordination.
Although we had originally communicated that the first day of fasting would be Wednesday, February 18, the CML will now observe the first day of fasting on Thursday, February 19.
We recognize that changes in religious observance dates can create logistical challenges for students, campus partners, and departments planning programs. We sincerely apologize for any confusion this shift may cause and appreciate your understanding.
Ramadan Mubarak and a blessed Ramadan to the Duke community and all who will be fasting this month.
Thursday, March 19th
The CML follows the opinion of the Fiqh Council of North America and the Triangle Imams Council (TIC) on calculating when Ramadan will begin and end.
As we approach the month of Ramadan, we want to share an important update regarding the start date of fasting at Duke.
As many in the Muslim community know, there are longstanding scholarly differences regarding how the beginning of Ramadan is determined. Some communities determine the start of the month based on the physical sighting of the new moon. Others determine it through astronomical calculation of the lunar cycle. Both approaches are rooted in recognized Islamic legal scholarship.
Since 2018, the Center for Muslim Life has followed the opinion of the Fiqh Council of North America in conjunction with the local Council of Imams in the Triangle area, both of which previously aligned on using astronomical calculation to determine the start of Ramadan.
In January of 2026, the CML learned that those two bodies reached different conclusions on the start of Ramadan. After careful consideration, the Center for Muslim Life has decided to follow the decision of the local Council of Imams for Ramadan 2026. Since most of our students, faculty, and staff will be fasting and celebrating Eid with local masjids in the Triangle area, we believe aligning with the local council best serves community cohesion and practical coordination.
Although we had originally communicated that the first day of fasting would be Wednesday, February 18, the CML will now observe the first day of fasting on Thursday, February 19.
We recognize that changes in religious observance dates can create logistical challenges for students, campus partners, and departments planning programs. We sincerely apologize for any confusion this shift may cause and appreciate your understanding.
Ramadan Mubarak and a blessed Ramadan to the Duke community and all who will be fasting this month.
Friday, March 20th
The CML follows the opinion of the Fiqh Council of North America and the Triangle Imams Council (TIC) on calculating when Ramadan will begin and end.
As we approach the month of Ramadan, we want to share an important update regarding the start date of fasting at Duke.
As many in the Muslim community know, there are longstanding scholarly differences regarding how the beginning of Ramadan is determined. Some communities determine the start of the month based on the physical sighting of the new moon. Others determine it through astronomical calculation of the lunar cycle. Both approaches are rooted in recognized Islamic legal scholarship.
Since 2018, the Center for Muslim Life has followed the opinion of the Fiqh Council of North America in conjunction with the local Council of Imams in the Triangle area, both of which previously aligned on using astronomical calculation to determine the start of Ramadan.
In January of 2026, the CML learned that those two bodies reached different conclusions on the start of Ramadan. After careful consideration, the Center for Muslim Life has decided to follow the decision of the local Council of Imams for Ramadan 2026. Since most of our students, faculty, and staff will be fasting and celebrating Eid with local masjids in the Triangle area, we believe aligning with the local council best serves community cohesion and practical coordination.
Although we had originally communicated that the first day of fasting would be Wednesday, February 18, the CML will now observe the first day of fasting on Thursday, February 19.
We recognize that changes in religious observance dates can create logistical challenges for students, campus partners, and departments planning programs. We sincerely apologize for any confusion this shift may cause and appreciate your understanding.
Ramadan Mubarak and a blessed Ramadan to the Duke community and all who will be fasting this month.
A Day During Ramadan
Register on Duke Groups to join the CML for Suhoor Mon-Thur. During the month of Ramadan.
Duke Groups
In partnership with Duke Dining, the CML hosts iftar at Chef's Kitchen in the Brodhead Center every Mon-Thur of the week during Ramadan. You must register daily via DukeGroups. Registration goes LIVE each day at 1PM, so make sure you are a member of CML Duke Groups. Be on the look out for the daily registration announcements!
Ramadan Programming ScheduleWe need your help! Become a Ramadan Ambassador and help with setup and cleanup. Volunteers like you are essential to creating a smooth and welcoming experience for all our community members during Ramadan.
Ramadan Ambassador Sign-upAs salaamu alakium
As Ramadan approaches, you may need to request reasonable academic or testing accommodations from your professors due to the physical and spiritual demands of fasting. To help facilitate these conversations respectfully and proactively, the Center for Muslim Life has prepared this email template that you can adapt and send to your instructors. We encourage you to:
- Reach out early – ideally before Ramadan begins
- Personalize the email – include your course information and specific requests
- Be open to dialogue – your professors may have their own suggestions
You are not required to disclose your religious practice in detail, but clear and courteous communication can help create a supportive academic environment.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your situation further, CML staff is here to help.
Ramadan Accommodations Email LetterIf you have any issues with obtaining Ramadan/Eid accommodations or need support during Ramadan, please email a CML staff member! We are here to support.
Quick Links
Ramadan 101 & FAQs
Learn more about Ramadan and get answers to frequently asked questions about CML Ramadan programming and resources.
Ramadan Student Info Session
Missed our Ramadan Student Info Session? Check out the slides to review the information and resources!
Prayer Calendar
View Fajr and Maghrib adhan times for the month of Ramadan.
Campus Prayer Map
View an interactive map with prayer spots around campus.
Nutrition Guidance
Duke Nutrition offers evidence-based, in-person, and virtual nutrition consultations and resources for your nutritional needs. View guidelines and suggestions for meals during Ramadan.
Sponsor an iftar
We are so glad to provide Ramadan meals, programming, and resources at Duke. We welcome contributions of any amount so we can continue hosting these services free for students. Thank you for your support! Email the CML Director at joshua.salaam@duke.edu for more information.