Ramadan Checklist 2026

As we near the beautiful month of Ramadan, with only six months to go, Muslims around the world will be looking to prepare themselves for the Holy month.

Though the exact date is yet to be confirmed, Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday 17th February, although this will be subject to the sighting of the moon.

Ramadan is not only a month in which Muslims fast and abstain from food and drink, but is much more of a spiritual journey to attain the closeness of Allah. The strength of your faith is tested in the month of Ramadan as it exercises immense patience and gratitude. For that reason, it is best to enter the month in a prepared state and be fully ready for the spiritual month.

Orphans in Need has come up with an ultimate checklist for Ramadan to prepare you with all that needs to be done in this blessed month. A constructed plan in place will help you make the most out of the month and prepare you to embrace this month, the month of Mercy.

What to do in Ramadan

Begin by Fasting

It goes without saying that the most important factor of Ramadan is to fast. Fasting (Sawm) is the fourth Pillar of Islam and is obligatory upon all Muslims.

O believers! Fasting has been prescribed to you – as it was for those before you – so perhaps you will become mindful of Allah. [Quran 2: 183]

Fasting teaches the believers the act of self-control and discipline. Feeling the sense of hunger and thirst also allows Muslims to empathise with the poor for the hardships they face on a daily basis.

One of the best ways to prepare yourself for fasting in Ramadan is to ease your body into it. Shaban (the month prior to Ramadan) is probably the best time to do this. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to fast during the month of Shaban, and though you may not want to fast the whole month of Shaban, you can always fast on Monday and Thursday or the 13th, 14th, and 15th of the month as per the Sunnah.

Pray your Daily Salah

Praying your 5 daily prayers is the second Pillar of Islam and is Fardh (obligatory) upon all Muslims.

Allah says in the Quran: “Surely the Salah at fixed hours (of the day and night) has been enjoined upon the believers.” [Quran 4:103]

A familiar prayer which is performed during the month of Ramadan is the optional night prayer known as Taraweeh. The Taraweeh prayer is commonly performed as a congregational prayer in the mosque, but can also be prayed individually at home.

The Sunnah (recommended practice) Salah before and after your Fardh (obligatory) Salah is also a beneficial prayer for all Muslims.

After your Fardh prayer, any voluntary prayer performed is a chance for you to multiply your rewards and get closer to Allah.

This is probably the best time to begin to commit to your daily Sunnah prayers so that in Ramadan, praying any additional prayer comes as second nature to you.

It may also be a good time to start attending any congregational prayers in the mosque.

“The reward of the congregational prayer is twenty-seven times greater (than that of the prayer offered by a person alone).” [Bukhari]

Make Sincere Dua and Seeking Forgiveness from Allah

“Call upon Me, and I will respond to you.” [Quran 40:60]

Organise and make a list of Duas that you intend to pray. Write down all your personal and communal prayers in advance so that you are prepared with what you want to ask Allah for. Remember, this is a month in which Allah opens up His doors of Mercy and so it’s also the perfect time to ask Allah for forgiveness.

Increase your Remembrance of Allah

“O You who believe! Remember Allah with much remembrance.”

Remind yourself that the end goal in Ramadan is to gain closeness to your Lord, your Creator. The best way to do this is to increase your remembrance of Allah by doing Dhikr and reciting the 99 names of Allah. This is where you can start to memorise the names of Allah and understand the meaning of each name. Also, make it a daily practice to establish a routine around Dhikr by reciting – SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu-Akbar throughout the day.

Self-reflect and Set Goals

Forming good habits in Ramadan and steering clear of negative actions is a significant part of the month. A great aspect of fasting is not only refraining from food and drink, but also avoiding bad habits, such as backbiting and gossiping. It’s a time to purify all your actions and work towards cleansing your heart. This is the time to encourage yourself to steer clear of any idle talk.

Recite the Quran

Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed to Muslims.

“Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and decisive authority. So whoever is present this month, let them fast.” [Quran 2: 185]

Reading the Quran in Ramadan brings plenty of reward. It is recommended to recite the Quran on a daily basis during the month of Ramadan and aim to complete it. Setting a schedule and putting time aside to read the Quran will help you to complete it. Reading the translation of the Quran is also a great way to deepen your understanding of it and connect to the verses.

Give Charity

Ramadan is the perfect time to practice gratitude and appreciate the blessings which surround us every day. This is also a time to help those who are less fortunate. Giving charity in Ramadan is a common practice as it’s a month of devotion and generosity. The month of Ramadan also brings in an immense number of blessings, and so Muslims around the world choose to pay their Zakat during this month.

It has been narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

“The best charity is that given in Ramadan.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

Ramadan is a time for friends and families to share the joy and blessings of the Holy month. The aim of the month is focused on fulfilling Ramdan to the best of your ability.

The key is to remain focused. Remembering Allah through Dhikr and connecting with the Quran is a great place to start.

With the blessed month fast approaching, use every moment wisely to make this Ramadan your most life-changing one yet.

Why not begin with an act of good deed and make a donation to Orphans in Need? Any amount of contribution will help make a change in someone’s life who desperately needs it.

Donate now.