02/17/2026
Respected members of the community,
AsSalaamu Alaikum,
Praise be to Allah and Peace and blessings on Prophet Muhammad PBUH. Islamic Institute of Boston announces the start of the month of Ramadan on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 and celebrating Eid al-Fitr on Friday, March20, 2026 as confirmed by the Fiqh Council of North America. Please find attached the 2026 Ramadan Prayer Schedule for Greater Boston which is valid also for locations nearby cities and towns of Nashua, Salem, and Manchester, in New Hampshire. For other locations:
Cape Cod, MA areas:
Subtract (-) 4 minutes from Fajr times and (-) 3 minutes from Maghrib times
Framingham, Wayland, & Acton, MA areas:
Add 1 minute to Fajr times and 1 minute to Maghrib times
Worcester & Fitchburg, MA areas:
Add 2 minutes to Fajr times and 3 minutes to Maghrib times
Springfield, MA areas:
Add 5 minutes to Fajr times and 6 minutes to Maghrib times
Pittsfield, MA areas:
Add 7 minutes to Fajr times and 8 minutes to Maghrib times
Providence & Warwick, RI areas:
Add 1 minute to Fajr times and 2 minutes to Maghrib times
Nashua, NH areas:
Follow the same schedule as Boston
Portsmouth, NH areas:
Subtract (-) 1 minute from Fajr times and (-) 2 minutes from Maghrib times
Portland, Maine areas:
Subtract (-) 5 minutes from Fajr times and (-) 5 minutes from Maghrib times
Bangor, Maine areas:
Subtract (-) 10 minutes from Fajr times and (-) 13 minutes from Maghrib times
I added to the schedule “stop eating” 2 minutes before Fajr everyday to allow yourself to brush your teeth, floss, and take a final sip of water. The prophet Muhammad PBUH encouraged us to use the Miswaak or Toothbrush whenever we make Wudu (partial ablution - ritual washing before daily prayers). Indeed, keeping healthy gum and teeth is very important during fasting hours as it will reduce unpleasant breath smell. Prophet Muhammad also highly recommended that we take Suhur as there is barakah or blessings in it and it will help us pray Fajr on-time. Try not to overeat during Suhur to avoid laziness during fasting hours. Also avoid eating something that may increase your thirst.
I encourage everyone to designate a prayer area, a small masjid, in your house to pray and read Qur’an in addition to praying in the masjid near you. Consider also inviting non-Muslim neighbors to share the Iftar meal with you and explain to them the concept of fasting.
Besides being purely a high form of worship, fasting is meant to morally and spiritually train us and ultimately, purifies our bodies, minds, and souls. As we seek the countless blessings and bounties of our Creator, Ramadan can help us improve our Taqwa, piety, patience, self-discipline, and the power of forgiving one another.
While we observe the blessings of Ramadan in the comfort of our home, I urge you to remember the suffering of countless people around the world who lack food and shelters, and make dua’ for them
May Allah help us benefit from the virtues and blessings of Ramadan and accept our righteous deeds. May He bless us in health and wealth, and bless our parents, spouses, children and grandchildren.
Ramadan Mubarak
Imam Dr. Talal Eid, founder
Islamic Institute of Boston, http://www.iiboston.net/
