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Ramadan holds deep meaning for millions of Muslims around the world. It is characterised by fasting from dawn till dusk, performing extra rituals, and breaking the fast with iftar meals in a shared celebration.
While Ramadan brings joy, millions will mark it amid ongoing conflict, economic instability, climate shocks, and rising food and energy prices. Many won’t know where their next meal is coming from or how they will break their fast.
This is where you can help.
Donating your Zakat is not merely charity. It is worship. It is our sacred duty. It’s about responsibility and about fulfilling a right that Allah has placed upon us.
At Islamic Relief, we don’t simply deliver relief – we fulfil an Amanah. Every zakat is sacred and is carried with the sincerity it deserves.
Throughout the holy month, the blessings and impact of your zakat donations are even greater. With your support, we can improve the lives of vulnerable communities around the world, easing their suffering during this sacred month.
During Ramadan, your donations can make a real difference for families and communities in need around the world.
In 2025, your donations helped us deliver more than 155,000 food parcels to families across 32 countries, benefitting some 840,000 people.
By giving your zakat or sadaqah through Islamic Relief, you will be supporting lifesaving programmes that can provide food, clean water, shelter and healthcare to vulnerable people.
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar.
Healthy adult Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan from dawn until dusk. This includes abstaining from drinking, eating, immoral acts and anger. Other acts of worship such as prayer, reading the Qur’an and charity are also encouraged during the holy month.
Ramadan in 2026 is expected to begin on Thursday 19 February 2026, and end on the evening of Friday 20 March 2026, depending on the sighting of the moon.
In 2025, Ramadan began on Friday 28 February, and ended on the evening of Sunday 30 March 2025.
Ramadan officially begins when the Islamic month of Shaban ends, and the new moon of Ramadan is sighted. This Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Thursday 19 February 2026.
Eid al-Fitr (Hari Raya Aidilfitri), the Muslim celebration, officially marks the end of Ramadan. The exact timing is based on the sighting of the moon. Eid al-Fitr (Hari Raya Aidilfitri) officially begins at the start of the Islamic month of Shawwal. This Ramadan is expected to end on the evening of Friday 20 March 2026 depending on the sighting of the moon.
The last day of fasting for Ramadan 2026 will be Friday 20 March, depending on the sighting of the moon. Unlike the Gregorian calendar we use today, the Islamic calendar operates on the lunar cycle. This means that all significant days in the Islamic calendar appear to shift forward approximately 11 days each year. Therefore, the sighting of the moon determines the end of the month–long period of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid.
For any missed fasts you will need to make them up at a later date (qada).
If you’ve missed any fasts out of necessity and will never be able to make up the missed fasts afterwards, you’re required to pay fidya.
For any fasts broken deliberately without need, you need to make up the fast (qada) and also pay kaffarah.
In the Hanbali and Shafi madhabs you would need to make up the fast and only pay kaffarah if it was broken by marital relations.
In 2026, Eid ul-Fitr (Hari Raya Aidilfitri) is likely to take place on Friday 20 March 2026, depending on the sighting of the moon.
However, as with each day in the Islamic calendar, the next day begins after Maghrib prayer (just after sunset) of the same day. Therefore, Eid technically begins after the moon has been sighted (which is likely to be on Friday 20 March 2026), but Eid prayers and celebrations take place the following day which will be Saturday 21 March 2026.
Laylatul Qadr, also referred to as the Night of Power, is one of the most important and sacred nights in the Islamic calendar. With Ramadan upon us, we can find laylatul qadr in the last 10 nights of Ramadan. Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) said: “Search for the night of qadr in the odd nights of the last 10 days of Ramadan.”
The Prophet (PBUH) would give charity throughout the year but increase his sadaqah (sedekah) during Ramadan. Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “The Prophet (PBUH) was the most generous of people, and he was most generous during Ramadan.” (Bukhari)
Ramadan lasts either 29 or 30 days, and the time during which it takes place varies every year. This is because the date depends on the lunar calendar, which is roughly 10 or 11 days shorter than the commonly used Gregorian calendar.
Every day during the holy month, Muslims begin the fast at dawn after having a meal (suhoor), after which the morning Fajr (Subuh) prayer is prayed. The fast isn’t broken until dusk with the Iftar meal, which precedes the Maghrib prayer, the fourth prayer of the day.
Here is your ultimate guide to some of the duas read by Muslims, including those specific to the month of Ramadan.
The meaning of kareem is generous/noble. Ramadan is a month where Allah forgives, blesses and rewards Muslims without limit.
Ramadan kareem means ‘Ramadan, the generous month.’
It’s an expression that is used to welcome the blessed month by Muslims around the world.