Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. In the UK, Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin the evening of Tuesday 17th February and end on the evening of Thursday 19th March – but this depends on the sighting of the moon. We wish all of our Muslim friends a positive and reflective time as they commit to a month of fasting.
Fasting allows time for self-discipline and time to reflect and is obligatory for all able Muslims from sunrise to sunset. Some people are exempt however, including children, pregnant women and the elderly. During the fasting month, two healthy meals will be consumed – one before sunrise, Suhoor and one after sunset, Iftar. A common food used for breaking fast is dates as they have lots of health benefits.
During Ramadan, all Muslims are expected to fast. However, this is not always possible so people can pay Kaffarah or Fidya instead if they are not able to make up the missed fasts. These donations support those in need.
Fidya is a mandatory contribution to charity to make up for missed fasts. This is only paid if you have a valid reason for not fasting and cannot make up for missed fasts at a later date for example someone who is ill.
Fidya 2026 is £5 a person for each missed fast and if someone doesn’t fast at all during Ramadan, they are required to pay a total of £150. Your £5 Fidya donation will provide 25 children in Malawi with a school meal each.
If you deliberately miss or break your fast during the month of Ramadan without a valid reason you are expected to donate – Kaffarah. However, you can decide not to donate and fast continuously for 60 days instead.Â
This year Kaffarah is £240 for each missed or broken fast. This provides 60 children a meal for one month in Malawi.
