Ramadan Giving 2026

Ramadan in 2026 is expected to begin on February 18 or 19, with the exact start confirmed by moon sighting, and is anticipated to conclude with Eid al-Fitr on or around March 19 or 20, depending on the sighting of the moon. 

Because the Islamic calendar is lunar and about 10–11 days shorter than the solar year, the dates of Ramadan shift each year

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It was ordered in the Qur’an and is expected that all able Muslims (those who are mature and in good health) should fast from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ramadan.

During this time, fasting is more than just abstinence; it is a means of worship and for Muslims to feel a closer and deeper connection with Allah (swt). Fasting allows each individual to learn patience with oneself and those around them, as well as compassion for those less fortunate.

The Five Pillars of Islam are the five core practices that all Muslims should follow. They are:

Shahadah - the reciting and profession of the Islamic faith.

Salah – five daily prayers and performing ritual cleansing or wudu.

Zakat - giving to charity based on one’s wealth to help those less fortunate. Donations during Ramadan often hold much greater reward for the donor.

Sawm – the process of fasting during the month of Ramadan. There are exceptions as to who can take part in fasting, but it is expected if you are of good health and sound mind.

Hajj – the pilgrimage to Mecca, which every able-bodied Muslim must do at least once in their lifetime.

Fidyah is a compensatory donation for those who are unable to fast due to illness, pregnancy, old age, or other long-term conditions and cannot make up the missed fasts later. Instead, they must provide meals for a needy person for each missed day of fasting. 

The Fidyah amount is $10 per missed fast, which covers the cost of feeding one person.

For those unable to fast for the entire month of Ramadan, the total Fidyah payment is $300. 

Kaffarah is a penalty donation for those who intentionally break a fast without a valid reason and cannot fast for 60 consecutive days to make up for it. Instead, they must feed 60 needy people for each missed fast. 

The required Kaffarah amount is $600 per fast, covering meals for 60 individuals, ensuring that those struggling with food insecurity receive vital assistance during Ramadan. 

Zakat is an obligatory act of charity and is the third pillar of the Islamic faith. As such, giving to charity is a huge part of everyday life for Muslims.

In Islam, giving to charity is a great deed at any time of year. However, when combined with the auspicious month of Ramadan, donating Zakat is multiplied manifold, with untold blessings and reward for the donor.

Ramadan charity is highly rewarded, and as such, the vast majority of Muslims choose to donate at this time. Although it is not an obligation to donate during Ramadan, this is why so many Muslims choose to do so during this month.

Zakat is due on all wealth and assets that are held above a certain threshold, also known as the nisab. Zakat is calculated at 2.5% of all total wealth above the nisab value and takes into consideration:

• Gold and silver
• Cash in hand and bank accounts
• Pensions
• Investment property
• Stocks and shares
• Money lent out
• Business stock
• Agriculture produce

All wealth must have been maintained for one lunar year before you pay Zakat.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims are required to pay Zakat al-Fitr, which is a form of Zakat that serves to self-purify and give back to the poor.

Zakat al-Fitr is paid before Eid al-Fitr, to ensure that the needy have the means to partake in Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

Zakat al-Fitr can be paid to Muslim Hands Canada at $10 per household member.

Muslims begin their fast at sunrise after eating a pre-dawn meal (referred to as suhoor) before the morning prayers (Fajr). The fast is broken at sundown with a meal (referred to as iftar), which is eaten after the evening prayer (Maghrib).