As the Islamic holy month of Ramadan approaches, millions of Muslims around the globe are preparing for a period of fasting, reflection, and communal charity. This year, the first day of Ramadan is expected to fall on or around February 18 or 19, 2026, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon—a tradition that means the start date can vary slightly between countries and communities, according to the Associated Press. For the world’s 1.9 billion Muslims, Ramadan is a sacred time that brings families together, encourages acts of generosity, and provides a chance to renew faith.
But while Ramadan is often marked by festive gatherings and abundant meals to break the daily fast, the picture looks starkly different for many in Gaza this year. As highlighted in a recent fundraising appeal by Shaun, a campaigner working with LaunchGood and Human Concern International, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. With just days to go before the holy month begins, families are struggling to find even the basics to put on the table at sunset. "Ramadan starts in 4 days. Gaza can’t break fast on ‘good intentions.’ Help us cross $100,000 now so families can have warm Iftar meals every night," Shaun urged supporters, emphasizing the urgency of the crisis.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, cycles through the seasons, and its rituals are rooted in centuries-old tradition. Fasting from dawn to sunset is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, alongside the profession of faith, prayer, almsgiving, and pilgrimage. During the fast, Muslims abstain from all food and drink—including water—until the sun sets. The day is bookended by two meals: suhoor, the predawn meal that helps sustain the body, and iftar, the meal to break the fast at sunset. According to AP, fasting is not just a physical act but also one of spiritual significance. It is regarded as an act of worship, a means of cultivating self-restraint, gratitude, and empathy for those who are poor or hungry.
Charity is a hallmark of Ramadan, with many Muslims going above and beyond to provide food and assistance to those in need. This year, that spirit of giving is especially critical in Gaza, where the infrastructure has been shattered and the prospect of breaking the fast with anything more than water is uncertain for many families. Shaun’s campaign has already raised $89,698 as of February 15, 2026, with an immediate goal to surpass $100,000 before Ramadan begins. The total fundraising target is $1.5 million, aiming to provide as many nightly dinners as possible during the month. "A warm meal at Iftar is not a luxury. It is dignity. It is a mother saying, ‘I can still take care of my children,’ even when the world has tried to strip her of everything," Shaun wrote, channeling the collective sense of responsibility felt by many in the Muslim community.
The campaign is run in partnership with Human Concern International and hosted on LaunchGood, a platform known for its transparency and public progress tracking. This emphasis on accountability addresses concerns some donors may have about where their money goes. "That’s exactly why we’re doing this in partnership with a registered charity partner and on a platform with public progress tracking," Shaun explained. The urgency is real: "We can’t serve food we haven’t bought. We can’t cook meals with supplies we didn’t secure. And in Gaza, where the entire system has been shattered, waiting until the first night is how you end up with families breaking their fast with nothing but water—if even that."
For Muslims everywhere, Ramadan is a period of increased worship, religious contemplation, and community. Many flock to mosques for congregational prayers and dedicate more time to reading the Quran, the Muslim holy book. The daily fast is seen as a submission to God and a reminder of the blessings often taken for granted. As AP reports, the devout see fasting as a way to "practice self-restraint, cultivate gratitude and empathize with people who are poor and hungry." Exemptions exist for those unable to fast due to illness or travel, with missed days to be made up later.
Cultural and social traditions surrounding Ramadan are as diverse as the global Muslim community itself. In Egypt, for example, streets and homes are decorated with colorful lanterns, and the soundscape is filled with Ramadan songs and the rhythmic drumming of the "mesaharati" who roams neighborhoods before dawn to wake the faithful for suhoor. In Indonesia, customs vary by region: in Aceh, animals are slaughtered and meat shared during Meugang festivities, while in Tangerang, residents perform symbolic spiritual cleansing rituals in the river. Across Sumatra, children parade through the streets with torches and Islamic songs after evening prayers. In the United States, where Muslims make up a racially and ethnically diverse minority, gathering at mosques and Islamic centers for iftar and prayers provides a vital sense of community. Interfaith iftar meals are also common, fostering understanding and solidarity.
Yet, as Ramadan draws near, there are growing concerns about the commercialization of the month in some regions. The AP notes that while new television series, festive decorations, and lavish iftar banquets are part of the modern Ramadan experience, some Muslims worry that these trends can detract from the month’s spiritual essence. Others argue that a balance can be struck, and that such rituals, in moderation, enhance the festive spirit.
What remains universal, however, is the centrality of charity and compassion. The Prophet Muhammad is quoted as saying, "Whoever feeds a fasting person will receive a reward from Allah like that person who is fasting receives." This teaching resonates deeply, especially in times of crisis. "Feeding people is one of the purest forms of worship. Its mercy made tangible. It’s faith with hands and receipts," Shaun wrote in his appeal, highlighting the moral imperative to act.
The urgency in Gaza is a stark reminder of the disparities that persist even during the holiest times. As Shaun put it, "The need isn’t abstract—it’s tonight. It’s tomorrow. It’s the next sunset." With just days left before Ramadan, the call for help is not just a plea for charity, but a call to uphold the dignity and humanity of families facing unimaginable hardship.
As Ramadan 2026 begins, Muslims worldwide will once again be united in fasting, prayer, and acts of kindness. But for many in Gaza, the difference between a warm meal and an empty plate will depend on the generosity of those able to give. The spirit of Ramadan—rooted in compassion, empathy, and community—reminds us all that even the simplest act of kindness can be transformative.