Millions of Muslims across the United Kingdom and around the globe are observing the sacred month of Ramadan with heightened devotion as the first Friday of the fasting season arrives on February 20, 2026.
For those observing the fast, the most pressing question remains what time is Iftar today, as the precise timing for breaking the fast shifts daily based on the positioning of the sun. The sunset today marks a critical spiritual milestone for worshippers who have abstained from food, drink, and impure thoughts from the break of dawn, known as Suhoor, until the evening call to prayer.
In London, the sun is scheduled to set at approximately 5:23 PM, which serves as the official time for Iftar in the capital city. Due to the geographical variations across the United Kingdom, residents in other major hubs must adjust their clocks accordingly to ensure their fast is concluded accurately.
Worshippers in Birmingham can expect to break their fast at 5:28 PM, while those further north in Manchester will observe Iftar at 5:29 PM. For the Scottish community in Glasgow, the sunset is expected slightly later at 5:35 PM, reflecting the natural progression of daylight hours during the transition into the spring season.
The significance of this particular Friday is profound, as Friday is considered the most blessed day of the week in Islamic tradition, making the first Jumu’ah of Ramadan a period of intense prayer and reflection. Mosques across the country have reported high attendance for the midday sermons, with many congregants remaining in the prayer halls to recite the Quran until the evening prayer, Maghrib. Community centers and local charities have also scaled up their efforts to host communal Iftars, providing free meals to the less fortunate and fostering a spirit of unity and hospitality that defines the month.
Beyond the physical discipline of fasting, scholars emphasize that the timing of Iftar is more than just a countdown to a meal; it is a moment of profound gratitude and spiritual renewal. Many families begin their Iftar in the traditional manner by consuming dates and water, following the practice of the Prophet Muhammad, before engaging in a more substantial dinner.
As the days gradually lengthen, the daily schedule for Suhoor and Iftar will continue to shift by one or two minutes each day, requiring faithful observers to consult updated prayer timetables frequently.
Songbux gathered that this year’s Ramadan is particularly unique due to its occurrence during the cooler late winter months, which offers slightly shorter fasting windows compared to the peak summer years. This transition has allowed for more vibrant evening activities and late night Taraweeh prayers without the extreme fatigue often associated with longer summer days.
As the community concludes the first Friday of this holy month, the focus remains on charitable giving, self improvement, and the shared joy of breaking bread with loved ones at the appointed sunset hour.
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