The beginning of Ramadan, according to astronomical calculations, will be marked on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
The Council of Ulema of the country held a meeting on February 10, during which, based on the conclusions of the Astrophysics Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan (NANST), a corresponding decision was made.
As a result of the meeting, it was established that in 2026, the fitr-sadaqa will decrease compared to the previous year, while the amount of zakat will increase.
Regarding fitr-sadaqa, this year its amount is set at 7 somoni per person, which is 1 somoni less than in 2025 (8 somoni).
Nisab for zakat: if a person has 64,000 somoni or more, they are obliged to pay 1,600 somoni in zakat. Last year, the amount was 36,900 somoni, and the zakat was 880 somoni. Therefore, in 2026, the zakat has nearly doubled.
Fidyai savm: for those who cannot fast for valid reasons, the amount of fidya for 30 days in 2026 will be 420 somoni (14 somoni per day), while in 2025 it was 480 somoni (16 somoni per day).
The Committee on Religion noted that changes in the amounts of sadaqa fitr, fidya, and zakat are due to fluctuations in the prices of gold and wheat. The nisab for zakat is determined based on the price of gold, and this year its price has increased, leading to an increase in the nisab for zakat compared to last year.
Fitr-sadaqa is determined based on wheat prices, and this year, considering the decrease in wheat prices in Tajikistan, the amount of fitr has been reduced. The fidya has also been lowered for a similar reason.
In Tajikistan, as in other countries with a Muslim population, the date of the beginning of Ramadan is determined by the lunar calendar, and it is the Council of Ulema together with the Astrophysics Institute of NANST that establishes the date for the start of the month.
Every year, Ramadan begins 10 days earlier than the previous year. For example, in 2025, it started on March 1.
Ramadan is a significant month in the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims fast and increase their prayers. The month concludes with the holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which is one of the main holidays for Muslims.
