Ramadan 2026 is fast approaching, the month which holds great significance for Muslims all over the world. It is a time for reflection, prayer and seeking forgiveness for past sins. It is also a time for giving to the less fortunate. Giving charity in Ramadan is a commendable act of worship. This month brings immense blessings for Muslims with a promise of divine forgiveness and redemption. Therefore, donating to charity during Ramadan holds greater virtue than at any other time of the year.
Giving Charity in Islam is an important aspect of a believer’s faith. Giving to the less fortunate has been emphasised within the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him), as well as in the Quran. Charity is there to remind every Muslim that wealth is temporary, and it is better to share with those who are less fortunate.
Allah says in the Quran: “To give charity publicly is good, but to give to the poor privately is better for you, and will absolve you of your sins. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do.” [Quran 2:271]
Charity reminds us that, ultimately, wealth is given by Allah (SWT) and it can also be taken away by Him. This means that generosity in terms of giving to others is not only a natural act of humanity, but it’s also greatly rewarded in Islam.
Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of February 17th, depending on the sighting of the moon.
The Fourth Pillar of Islam, Sawm (fasting), occurs during the Holy month of Ramadan, and includes the most blessed night of the year, known as Laylatul Qadr. Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power) takes place within the last 10 days of Ramadan. Allah describes Laylatul Qadr as being better than a thousand months. “The night of al-Qadr is better than a thousand months” [al-Qadr 97:3]. Forgiveness is a significant focus of this worship, and during the night, Muslims are urged to seek ultimate forgiveness from Allah (SWT).
Muslims in Ramadan are required to fast from dawn to dusk, abstaining from food, drink and immoral acts. After this month-long devotion to Allah (SWT), Eid ul-Fitr begins, marking the end of the Holy month of Ramadan.
It is essential for Muslims to perform charitable acts all year round. However, any good deed in Ramadan can multiply your rewards. Many like to give charity in the last 10 days of Ramadan during Laylatul Qadr to increase their rewards even more. Fasting is the main priority in this blessed month, but not everyone can fulfil this duty. For example, those with long-term illness, the elderly, and pregnant, breastfeeding and menstruating women. In place of the duty of fasting, these individuals are expected to make a monetary donation called Fidya. The price of Fidya comes from the amount it takes to feed one person for one day, which equals around £5 per day. So, if someone can’t fast throughout the whole month, they must make a donation of £150 to feed the poor in Ramadan.
Acts of kindness in Ramadan are hugely important as one of Islam’s core values is kindness. Muslims must emphasise compassion, empathy and generosity toward others as the Qur’an instructs believers to treat others with respect, mercy and fairness. This promotes a sense of community and helps those in need, spreading goodness throughout society. Kindness is also seen through the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in which he showcased humility, generosity and kindness. The Prophet (PBUH) showed the significance of helping the less fortunate, caring for each other and spreading love.
Zakat is the Third Pillar of Islam and is a mandatory form of charity for all Muslim adults who meet the Nisab threshold. It involves purifying the wealth of those who have it by giving a portion of their wealth to those in need. This act is prescribed by Islamic law and promotes economic balance and social welfare in the community.
The Zakat percentage of a person’s accumulated wealth is typically 2.5%, as long as that wealth exceeds the Nisab threshold and has been held for a full lunar year. This payment is due annually and can be given to a charitable organisation. However, paying Zakat in Ramadan can give you added blessings, especially in the last 10 days.
You can calculate your Zakat by using out Zakat Calculator 2026 here.
Those of the Muslim faith, sound mind, beyond the age of puberty, free and not enslaved, hold a positive cash flow or sufficient assets, and possess wealth above the Nisab threshold are eligible to pay Zakat. While the hungry, poor, travellers facing hardships, those in captivity or slavery, those in debt, administrators of Zakat, new Muslims and friends of the Muslim community, and those fighting in the past of Allah (SWT) are eligible to receive it.
Zakat ul-Fitr is a donation that is made before the Eid prayer at the end of Ramadan. This is a great act of charity to complete in the Holy month before Eid as it allows those less fortunate to celebrate Eid properly.
The price of this donation is one ‘saa’ (3kg) of a common staple food in your country. This can be paid in the monetary equivalent in your local currency. In the UK, this equates to about £6 of staple food supplies per person. The payment includes any children in your family, meaning a family of four will need to pay around £24.
Sadaqah is another way to help the poor in Ramadan and is a voluntary act of giving in Islam. This is one of the most common types of charity Muslims give and can include anything from an act of kindness to a monetary charity donation.
Types of Sadaqah can be as simple as a smile and removing a harmful object from a path to donating to a charitable organisation to help vulnerable people in need. This voluntary act of charity is one of three worldly acts of worship that bring many benefits to believers. These include:
Sadaqah Jariyah is also an excellent way to help the poor in Ramadan. Sadaqah Jariyah is an ongoing and ever-lasting charity to benefit others. An example of Sadaqah Jariyah is teaching someone the Qur’an or knowledge of Islam. This gives you rewards, and it also gives rewards when passed on to others. Another example is building schools for children to gain a good education and learn daily. Every time the building is used, you will receive a reward for it.
Remember the poor in Ramadan with charity. Transform the lives of those in need and fulfil the obligation of charity in Islam. Plus, you can receive immense blessings and rewards for giving back to the less fortunate.
Join our community and Donate to UKIM today to ensure your act of giving in Ramadan reaches those most in need. We help to feed the poor and can build homes and schools to help the less fortunate find a better future path, escaping poverty and building a brighter future. Your money will change lives and leave a lasting impact around the globe as we strive to get your donations to the poor as quickly as possible.
Donate to UK Islamic Mission to ensure it reaches those who need it most. We focus on feeding the poor in Ramadan through our Feed the Fasting campaign. Help us spread the word so that we can use your donations to help build homes and schools. Your money will be used to change lives and leave a lasting impact around the globe!
Donate this Ramadan and help make a difference.
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