Ramadan 2026 is just around the corner. The preparations in Muslim communities across the UK are almost complete as well. It’s the holiest month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast from dusk to dawn to please Allah. This is also the month when heaven’s gates open and hell’s gates close. Every act of worship earns you extra rewards in Ramadan, which is why Muslims around the world become more devoted to their religion.
Ramadan 2026 in UK falls in late winter. This means shorter fasts and colder days. However, you must still maintain energy throughout the fast to stay well physically and mentally.
This guide outlines Ramadan 2026 important dates in the UK and offers advice on how to fast without burning yourself out.
When is Ramadan 2026 in the UK?
Ramadan in the UK is expected to begin on the evening of 17 February, depending on the moon sighting. The atmosphere shifts immediately after moon sighting in Muslim communities. Taraweeh prayers begin in mosques on the first night, and families wake early for the first sehri meal before dawn.
Important Dates in Ramadan 2026 in UK
The odd nights in the last ashra of Ramadan are the most important nights of the month. These nights are likely to begin on 8 March 2026. Within these nights lies Laylat al-Qadr, also known as the Night of Power or Decree. Sawab for worship on this night exceeds 83 years and 4 months. However, nobody knows when the exact night arrives. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that Laylat al-Qadr lies in one of the last five odd nights in Ramadan. He woke his family and worshipped more than any other time on these nights.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. It’s expected on Friday, 20 March 2026, depending on moon sighting.
How to Prepare for Ramadan 2026 Spiritually
Follow these tips to prepare for the holy month of Ramadan this year:
Set Clear Intentions (Niyyah)
The same applies to your acts in Ramadan. Here is what most people get wrong about setting intentions.
But how will you know if you have achieved it? You should get specific.
Do you want to complete the entire Quran during Ramadan? Do you want to pray Tahajjud on the nights of Ramadan? Are you trying to break a specific habit?
Declare a clear goal for yourself, then set an intention to achieve it.
Increase Quran Recitation
Ramadan is the month of Quran’s revelation. To earn maximum sawab in Ramadan, immerse yourself in Quran.
Create a schedule for Quran recitation in Ramadan. Quran has 30 sections. This structure fits a 30-day month beautifully. One section takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes to read. If you recite one section each day, you complete the Quran by Eid.
If you can’t read Arabic, read the translation in English. Don’t let your inability to read Arabic hold you back from collecting endless blessings in Ramadan.
Build Consistency Before Ramadan
One of the biggest mistakes people make is going from minimal worship straight into maximum intensity on day one of Ramadan. This burns them out by day ten.
The better approach is to gradually build your spiritual stamina beforehand. Do this particularly during Shaban, the month immediately before Ramadan. The Prophet (PBUH) used to fast extensively during Shaban to prepare his body and spirit for the month ahead.
You can start by fasting on Mondays and Thursdays. If Ramadan is one month away, you have roughly 8 voluntary fasts.
Extra prayers are another area where pre-Ramadan consistency pays off. If you don’t currently offer Tahajjud, try adding it once or twice a week in Shaban. Set your alarm for an hour before Fajr to get used to breaking sleep.
If you want to give Zakat in Ramadan, calculate your dues before the start of the month. This removes last-minute scrambling.
Physical Preparation for Fasting in the UK Winter
Fasting in February in the UK is different from fasting in warmer climates. The biggest adjustment people need is their sleep schedule.
Fajr is around 5:30 or 6:00 AM. You need to be awake before that for suhoor. If you stay up until midnight and sleep until 7:00 AM, you will struggle getting up for suhoor. Start shifting your sleep schedule two or three weeks before Ramadan.
If you drink multiple cups of tea or coffee daily, prepare for headaches that may hit during the first week of fasting.
If you drink four cups of coffee a day, reduce to three for a week. Then reduce to two, then one. By Ramadan, you will be down to a single morning coffee to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Financial Preparation and Zakat Planning
Beyond Zakat, you can give Sadaqah or voluntary charity in Ramadan. The reward for charity multiplies in Ramadan, so even a small amount of charity can earn you massive sawab.
The key is to decide how much Sadaqah you want to give and where you want to give it. There are countless Muslim charity organisations in the UK that know the local context and needs. Give your Zakat and Sadaqah to them to help struggling families.
Do not forget to plan for Eid expenses. Eid can be expensive due to new clothes, gifts, and celebrations. If you do not plan, these expenses can hit your bank account hard.
Final Thoughts
Ramadan is a key pillar of Islam. It comes once a year to strengthen our connection with Allah. How much you grow from it and how lasting the change is matter the most. Ramadan 2026 in UK begins on the evening of 17 February, while the last ashra is likely to begin on 8 March. Calculate your Zakat or charity if you want to donate, plan your finances, and create a schedule for Quran recitation. It’s your chance to purify your soul. Grab it.
