Ramadan

Ramadan History

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims worldwide which involves fasting, prayer, reflection and community. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is considered a time of spiritual purification and progress. During Ramadan, from dawn to sunset, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations. The fast is broken each day with the evening meal known as Iftar, typically started with dates and water or fruit juice followed by a traditional meal. The day begins again with a pre-dawn meal, Suhoor.

Historically, Ramadan marks the month in which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. In terms of importance to British Muslims, it means adhering to the same practices of fasting and prayer, even in a non-Muslim majority country. It’s a time for compassion and generosity; many Muslims in the UK increase their charitable giving during this month. This aspect is particularly emphasized amidst the diverse cultural and socio-economic contexts existing in the UK, including supporting the local communities and the less fortunate.

In the United Kingdom, Ramadan is observed through community Iftars, prayer in mosques and homes, and many also engage in increased reading of the Quran. Community centres often accommodate large community Iftars, particularly for those who may be fasting alone. The timings for Ramadan in the UK are dictated by the lunar calendar and thus change each year. Due to the geographical location of the UK, fasting hours can vary greatly, with up to 18 hours of fast in the summer months when Ramadan coincides with longer daylight hours. The beginning and end of Ramadan are officially confirmed by sightings of the moon, which are then disseminated through mosques and Islamic groups across the country.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 Ramadan (Begins) in the UK

• Observing Ramadan in the United Kingdom during 2026 marks a continued transition into a Winter Ramadan cycle, where the shorter daylight hours mean the daily fast will last approximately 11 to 13 hours, a significant reduction from the 18-hour durations experienced a decade ago
• For the fourth consecutive year, the West End of London will host the Ramadan Lights installation on Coventry Street, featuring over 30,000 sustainable LED bulbs that illuminate the heart of the capital with Islamic geometric patterns and celestial symbols
• The Ramadan Tent Project has announced that its award-winning Open Iftar series will return to prestigious national landmarks, including scheduled events at Shakespeare's Globe, Windsor Castle, and Lord's Cricket Ground under the 2026 spiritual theme of Hope
• A major cultural highlight this year is central London’s first interfaith art exhibition, titled Shared Light, which is hosted at the Zedwell Hotel Piccadilly Circus and features works from diverse creatives reflecting on universal values such as compassion and community
• The Muslim Council of Britain has launched a nationwide civic initiative called Hungry for Change, which aims to utilise the month of reflection to increase voter registration and community engagement ahead of the local elections in May 2026
• To help determine the start of the holy month, the Royal Observatory Greenwich often provides astronomical data and live-streamed moon sighting updates, supporting the traditional practice of observing the new crescent moon to mark the beginning of the lunar month
• Charity remains a core focus for the British Muslim community, with high-profile seasonal campaigns such as the Sponsor a Buddy Fast initiative raising vital funds for NHS patients and hospital staff across the West Midlands
• During the final ten nights, many UK residents will seek to observe Laylat al-Qadr, or the Night of Power, with many mosques remaining open throughout the night for Itikaf, a spiritual retreat involving extended periods of prayer and Quran recitation.
• New literature specifically tailored for the year, such as the 2026 Ramadan Guide for New Muslims, provides practical handbooks for those navigating their first fast in a British cultural context.
• Community cohesion remains a central focus through The Big Iftar, which includes a flagship event on March 7 at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in London, inviting people of all backgrounds to share a three-course meal and participate in a National Fasting Challenge.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Ramadan

Top things to do in the UK for Ramadan

• The fast is usually broken in a family setting, where traditional foods are served. Most Muslims begin their meal with a few dates and a glass of milk because the Prophet Muhammad used to do the same. The high sugar content of the dates sends energy to weary fasting Muslim, while the fiber in the dates and the protein in the milk fills them up and prevents nausea.
• During Ramadan, Muslims congregate every night in the mosque to pray Taraweeh prayers in congregation. In the United States, in between sets of prayers, the Imam gives a brief sermon and encourages people to give to charity.
• Visit Bradford: Comprising a significant Muslim population, Bradford has an extensive Ramadan Bazaar with a variety of food items. Exploring the local mosque, particularly the Bradford Grand Mosque is a must.
• Read a book to learn more about Ramadan in United Kingdom:
  Ramadan and Id-ul-Fitr - by Khadijah Knight
  Celebrate Ramadan - by Deborah Heiligman
  Understanding Ramadan: A Guide for Non-Muslims - by Terence P. Noble