Making Fasting Easy This Ramadan

Fasting is a pillar of Islam, a practice that comes around every year during the month of Ramadan. Every Muslim of the right age and who is adequately healthy must fast in the month of Ramadan. However, it can be a difficult task, so we’ve put together some tips for our readers on how to prepare for fasting this Ramadan. As well as getting some insight into easy ways to fast during Ramadan, we hope you’ll also come away with an appreciation of the value of this special time of year and the positive aspects of fasting.

Prepare Yourself Mentally 

It’s obvious to think of fasting as a physical challenge, since you’re foregoing some of the basic physical needs of all people – food and drink. However, in the UK, Ramadan fasting in 2026 will be for between 12 and 14 hours. For healthy people not engaged in hard work, this is not arduous in terms of the body’s physical requirements. But when we’re accustomed to three meals a day, water on tap, and snacks in the cupboard, it becomes far more of a mental challenge.

Your mind is as used to your routine as your body is, and it’s going to object to the disruption well before your body does. Maintaining the fast is about mental and spiritual strength. If you are strong on the inside, you will be able to fast more comfortably.

So, when it comes to how to prepare for fasting in Ramadan, mental preparation is key, especially for those who are new to it. You have to prepare your mind and your body before you begin fasting. Factor in your daily routine and your workload, then lay out a plan accordingly that outlines your work, sleep and rest schedules. 

Small Snacks after Breaking Fast and Leading Up to Suhoor 

Eating small snacks will make you feel full, but eating properly after breaking fast is very important. Traditionally, people break their fast and immediately begin the Maghrib prayer, which is then followed by the meal before Taraweeh begins. Binge eating and taking long breaks between food intake would make you feel hungry during your fast. The same goes for eating large volumes of food quickly, as this will lead to cravings and hunger pangs during the following fast. 

The First Fast Is Always Difficult 

The first fast is always the hardest to get through. From here on out, the body adjusts and you mentally begin to settle into a new routine – successfully completing the first fast is also a great morale booster. The second fast is easier than the first, and the third is even smoother. The human body is great at adaptability. As such, the task of fasting becomes much more manageable over the coming days. Every fast not only proves to yourself that you can manage this challenge, but becomes a motivator to keep going – you’ve fulfilled your obligations so far, so you can keep going.

When it comes to starting the first fast, many wonder when to begin - asking when is the first fast of Ramadan 2026? In the UK, Ramadan for 2026 is determined to begin on the evening of Tuesday, February 17th (the exact time and date depending on the moon sighting). This will mean that Ramadan fasting for 2026 will begin at dawn the following day. On February 18th Fajr, the dawn prayers, will start at 05:17am. So the first fast of Ramadan 2026 will begin shortly before this time.

Keep Yourself Busy 

One of the best ways to fast with ease is by keeping yourself busy. It keeps your mind off things and makes the time go by quickly as well. Before you know it, Iftar will be just a few hours away. This is particularly important for Muslims who live in non-Muslim countries. People work normally during Ramadan in these parts of the world, unlike in Muslim countries where offices shut down early to accommodate Muslims who fast. While work can be tiring, it does keep your mind occupied, and the more the mind is not thinking about food, the easier it is.

If you are not at work, or are in a country where much of public life shuts down during the Ramadan fast, then there are still plenty of appropriate things you can do to occupy yourself and stop brooding about that missed meal. 

Low-energy indoor hobbies, calling or meeting with friends (especially those you haven’t seen in a while), light walks, a board game, reading and similar activities will all occupy your mind while fulfilling the spirit of Ramadan. This is a time to cleanse and improve yourself spiritually, so working on projects, hobbies or tasks that bring fulfilment and are not part of the ordinary world of work and business are all encouraged. These can help you have an easy fast during Ramadan. 

Of course, there is always the most important spiritual aspect of Ramadan – a holy month. Fasting is intended to remove worldly pleasures and concerns and promote focus on matters of the spirit. Spend time studying, reciting and memorising the Quran, reflecting on your journey as a Muslim and your relationship with Allah (SWT).

Donate to Charity 

Although fasting is an integral feature of Ramadan, it’s just one of the things we should be doing to bring ourselves closer to Allah (SWT). We should be donating to charity throughout the year. But spiritual rewards from giving are heightened during Ramadan. Muslim Aid accepts your donations here. 

These are just some tips on how to fast easily this coming Ramadan and how you can reap the most amounts of benefits from fasting in terms of your health. Be sure to check out the Muslim Aid blog for more information on fasting and Ramadan.