Islamic Holidays 2028: Complete Calendar with Ramadan, Eid & Islamic New Year Dates

The Islamic calendar follows the moon, so every blessed day moves roughly 10 to 11 days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar. In 2028, Ramadan begins in late January, Eid al-Fitr falls in February, and Eid al-Adha arrives in early May. This guide gives you the complete list of Islamic holidays in 2028 with dates, days, meanings, and practical tips so you can plan your worship, family time, work, and travel in advance.

Islamic Holidays 2028 at a Glance

The table below lists the main Islamic observances for 2028 in date order. These are the expected dates based on the astronomical calendar. The final day in your country depends on local moon sighting.

Why Islamic Dates Can Differ by a Day

A Hijri month lasts 29 or 30 days, and it starts when the new crescent moon is sighted. Because the Islamic year is about 354 or 355 days, it is shorter than the 365-day Gregorian year. That is why Ramadan and the Eids slide earlier every year and move through all the seasons over time.

Each Islamic Holiday in 2028 Explained

1. Lailat al-Bara'ah (Shab-e-Barat)

Lailat al-Bara'ah falls on the night of the 15th of Sha'ban, the month before Ramadan. In many Muslim communities, especially in South Asia, people spend the night in extra prayer, Quran recitation, du'a, and asking Allah for forgiveness. Many also visit graves and give charity. Scholars hold different views about the status of the narrations connected to this night, so it is best to keep your worship within what is established in the Sunnah: voluntary prayer, dhikr, and sincere repentance, without adding customs that have no basis.

2. First Day of Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the month in which the Quran was revealed. Fasting from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib) is one of the five pillars of Islam, and it is also a month of Taraweeh prayers, generosity, and closeness to Allah. In 2028 Ramadan starts on a Friday, a blessed day, and it runs through the winter season. This means shorter fasting hours for most of the Northern Hemisphere than in recent years, which is a gentle opportunity to build habits early.

• Begin preparing in Rajab and Sha'ban by fasting some voluntary days.
• Make up any missed fasts from the previous Ramadan before the new one begins.
• Plan a Quran reading goal, such as one juz per day for a full completion.
• Arrange your work and study schedule ahead of time for Taraweeh and Suhoor.

3. Laylat al-Qadr (Shab-e-Qadr)

The Night of Power is better than a thousand months, as Allah says in Surah Al-Qadr. Its exact night is not fixed. The Prophet (peace be upon him) told us to seek it in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan. Many Muslims look for it especially on the 27th night, which is why it is commonly listed on this date. The wise approach is to strive in worship on every odd night: the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th. A well-known du'a for this night is: "Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'anni."

4. Eid al-Fitr (Eid-ul-Fitr)

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and the first day of Shawwal. It begins with the special Eid prayer in congregation, followed by visits, gifts, and shared meals. Fasting on this day is not allowed. Before the Eid prayer, every Muslim who is able must pay Zakat al-Fitr on behalf of themselves and their dependents, so that the poor can celebrate too.

• Pay Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid prayer, ideally in the last days of Ramadan.
• Take a bath, wear your best clothes, and eat something before leaving for prayer.
• Say the Takbir on the way to the prayer and greet others with "Eid Mubarak."
• Consider following Eid with the six voluntary fasts of Shawwal.

5. Day of Arafah (Waqf al-Arafa)

The 9th of Dhul Hijjah is the central day of Hajj, when pilgrims stand on the plain of Arafah in prayer and supplication. For Muslims who are not performing Hajj, fasting on this day is strongly recommended. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that it expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year. It is also a day of abundant du'a, since it is among the best days to ask Allah for forgiveness.

6. Eid al-Adha (Eid-ul-Adha)

Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and his willingness to submit to Allah's command. After the Eid prayer, Muslims who are able perform Qurbani (Udhiyah), and the meat is divided among family, relatives, neighbors, and the poor. In 2028 Eid al-Adha falls on a Friday, so the Eid prayer and Jumu'ah are on the same day, and local scholars usually issue guidance on how to observe both. The days of Tashreeq (11th to 13th Dhul Hijjah) follow, and fasting on these days is not permitted.

• Book your Qurbani animal or a trusted Qurbani service early, as prices rise close to Eid.
• Do not cut your hair or nails from the start of Dhul Hijjah if you intend to make Qurbani.
• Increase dhikr and Takbir during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.

7. Islamic New Year (1 Muharram 1450 AH)

The Hijri calendar counts from the Hijrah, the migration of the Prophet (peace be upon him) from Makkah to Madinah, and it was formally adopted during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him). Muharram is one of the four sacred months. There is no special celebration prescribed for the new year, but it is a good time to reflect on the past year, renew your intentions, and set spiritual goals for the year ahead.

8. Day of Ashura

Ashura is the 10th of Muharram. It is the day Allah saved Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) fasted on it and encouraged Muslims to do so. Fasting on Ashura expiates the sins of the previous year. To differ from earlier practice, it is recommended to fast the 9th and 10th, or the 10th and 11th. Shia Muslims also remember the martyrdom of Imam Husayn at Karbala on this day.

9. Mawlid an-Nabi (Eid-e-Miladunnabi)

Mawlid is observed on the 12th of Rabi' al-Awwal, the traditional date for the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is a public holiday in Bangladesh and in several other countries. Scholars differ on how this day should be observed. Some communities hold gatherings with salawat, seerah talks, and charity, while others prefer not to mark the day specially and instead stress following the Prophet's Sunnah every day of the year. Either way, learning about his life and sending blessings upon him is always rewarding.

10. Lailat al-Mi'raj (Shab-e-Meraj)

Isra and Mi'raj commemorates the Prophet's miraculous night journey from Makkah to Jerusalem and his ascent through the heavens, mentioned at the beginning of Surah Al-Isra. During this journey the five daily prayers were prescribed, which is why this event is often remembered with a renewed focus on the quality and timeliness of salah. It is traditionally dated to the 27th of Rajab.

How to Plan Your 2028 Islamic Year

• Winter Ramadan (Jan to Feb): Take advantage of shorter days, and plan Taraweeh, Quran completion, and Iftar gatherings early.
• Eid al-Fitr on a Sunday: A weekend Eid makes travel and family visits easier, but book tickets early, since travel demand is high.
• Hajj and Eid al-Adha (May): Confirm your Qurbani arrangements and any leave from work in advance.
• Muharram (late May to June): Plan the fasts of the 9th and 10th, and use the new Hijri year for a personal review.
• Back-to-back Thursdays: Several observances fall on Thursdays in 2028, so check your calendar for school and office holidays.
• Be flexible: Keep your leave dates flexible by a day, since the final date depends on moon sighting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Islamic Holidays in 2028