Ramadan

When is Ramadan 2026?

The holy month of Ramadan is a crucial time in the Islamic calendar and is a time for Muslims to spend in utter devotion to Allah (SWT). Believers all over the world spend the month performing acts of worship, with a key focus on fasting (Sawm), which is one of the five pillars of Islam. It’s a month that cleanses Muslims from past sins and, at the end, they can start afresh with their faith and a close connection to Allah (SWT). Due to this importance, it’s important for every believer to know when the month begins in order to be prepared for it. The month needs preparation to get the body, mind and soul in the right place to take on fasting and increased acts of worship, so that every Muslim can carry out their duty properly and earn immense rewards.

Many people wonder, “When does Ramadan begin?”, because the holy month occurs at different times every year in the Gregorian calendar. This is because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, meaning that every year the month is approximately ten days earlier than the previous year. The Ramadan start date in 2026 is expected to fall on the evening of the 17th February, with the first full day of fasting starting at Fajr on the 18th February. This is all dependent on the sighting of the crescent moon that kickstarts the holy month, so it’s best to check with your local mosque, when the month begins in your region, closer to the time.

The importance of charity in Ramadan

Giving to charity during Ramadan is a very important act to carry out throughout the holy month. This is because charity is an act of worship, which connects Muslims closer to Allah (SWT) and is one of the best ways to earn rewards from Him. Since the whole month is about self-discipline and devoting yourself to Islam, all types of worship must be increased to fulfil the obligation that Muslims have. Charity is a powerful act of worship and is highly valued in Islam, with many different forms that believers must perform throughout their lifetime. There’s Sadaqah (voluntary charity) and Zakat (compulsory charity and one of the five pillars of Islam), which are both in place to help those less fortunate, purify wealth and provide a focus on what truly matters: faith. Now, because Ramadan is the time to increase worship, it means that any acts of charity are even more powerful than before, earning Muslims multiplied rewards.

Alongside this, charity in Ramadan is viewed as important because of what many Hadith say about it:

Charity will be shade for believers

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

“The shade of the believer on the Day of Resurrection is his charity.” [Musnad Ahmad: 23490].

Charity protects you from Hellfire

Nabi Muhammad said:

“Save yourself from hellfire even by giving half a date fruit in charity.” [Sahih al Bukhari: 1417]

Sadaqah erases your sins

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:

“Sadaqah extinguishes sins just as water extinguishes fire.” [Jami at Tirmidhi: 614]

Giving a Zakat Ramadan donation

Zakat, as a Ramadan donation, is a great way to multiply rewards and distribute wealth to those most in need. Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam that must be fulfilled and is mandatory for any eligible Muslim who exceeds the Nisab threshold. It aims to provide every individual, no matter their circumstances, with access to basic necessities to live comfortably. Muslims can share their blessing with others to acknowledge that their wealth is something that is given by Allah (SWT) and that it’s meant to be distributed with compassion.

Many Muslims give their Zakat during the last ten nights of Ramadan, known as Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power). This is because these nights hold multiplied rewards for acts of worship, which are equal to more than a thousand months. These nights are around the time when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Even though the exact date is unknown, the Night of Power is believed to fall on the odd-numbered nights. So, Muslims all over the world have a final push before Ramadan is over and further increase acts of worship. Those who have held wealth for a full Islamic year by the time Ramadan comes along will give Zakat to earn immense rewards during these nights.

At Emaan Relief, we have made it easier than ever to work out how much you owe in Zakat with our Zakat calculator, so that you can fulfil your duty and give this powerful charity during the holy month. Donate Zakat for Ramadan 2026 and support a Ramadan appeal that reaches those most in need to transform lives and bring hope for a brighter future to countless people.