Ramadan is a month unlike any other – a time of reflection, self-discipline, and unparalleled spiritual opportunities.
It is a gift from Allah (SWT), allowing us to grow closer to Him, purify our hearts, and earn immense rewards.
Muslims are encouraged to embrace every moment of this blessed month with intention and gratitude. But how can we ensure we truly make the most of this sacred time?
Here, we’ll share practical tips on how you can maximise the rewards of Ramadan, from deepening your relationship with the Qur’an to giving in charity and making the most of the last 10 nights.
Preparation before Ramadan ensures you can fully engage in worship when the month begins. One way you can do this is through voluntary fasting, particularly during Sha’ban, the month preceding Ramadan.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to spend much of this month fasting, and it is the month in which Allah (SWT) raises the deeds of his servants.
Aishah (RA) said:
The Messenger of Allah (saw) used to fast (so continuously) that we said that he would not break it, and he did not fast at all until we said that he would not fast. And I did not see the Messenger of Allah (saw) completing the fast of a month, but that of Ramadan, and I did not see him fasting more in any other month than that of Sha'ban.
Preparing in this way not only gets your body used to fasting but also sets the tone for spiritual discipline.
Another way to prepare is by making a Ramadan plan with personal goals for prayer, charity, and Qur’anic recitation before Ramadan begins.
You should dedicate some time to reciting the Qur’an and reflecting upon its meaning during Ramadan.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the decisive authority…
Aim to complete the Qur’an during this month, even if you only read a few verses each day.
Set realistic targets and create a routine that prioritises reading the Qur’an alongside your other worship.
Voluntary acts of worship bring immense blessings during Ramadan.
You can complete taraweeh prayers at night and rise early for tahajjud. These acts bring you closer to Allah and multiply your rewards.
Whoever stands (in the voluntary night prayer of) Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven. And whoever spends the night of Lailat Al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.
Sadaqah is charity given voluntarily in order to please God.
The Prophet (PBUH) would give charity throughout the year but increase his sadaqah during Ramadan.
He said:
The best charity is that given in Ramadan.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
You will never achieve righteousness until you donate some of what you cherish. And whatever you give is certainly well known to Allah.
You can support people in need through donations or even community service. Remember that even small acts of generosity, like smiling at a stranger, or lending a helping hand to a neighbour, hold immense rewards.
You can contribute your zakat, provide hot food to people in need in Gaza, or give to those facing crisis or natural disaster with Islamic Relief today.
Maintaining your health ensures you can sustain your worship throughout the month. Prioritise nutritious suhoor and iftar meals, including slow-digesting foods and plenty of hydration.
It can be easy to want to eat more than needed during iftar, leaving us tired and lacking energy, so we should keep this in mind when breaking our fast.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
A human being fills no worse vessel than his stomach. It is sufficient for a human being to eat a few mouthfuls to keep his spine straight. But if he must (fill it), then one third of food, one third for drink and one third for air.
Avoid overeating at iftar, and stay active by incorporating light physical activity, such as a walk after Maghrib.
The last ten nights of Ramadan are the most blessed, with Laylatul Qadr being the pinnacle. Worship on this night equals the reward of a thousand months.
You should focus on acts of worship, including prayer, Qur’anic reflection, and sincere du’a.
In the Qur’an, Allah says:
Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.
You should seek Laylatul Qadr in the last ten nights and make the most of this opportunity by dedicating yourself to nightly worship and seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.
Find out more about what to do on Laylatul Qadr here.
Ramadan is the month of mercy and forgiveness. Engage in heartfelt dua, asking for Allah’s guidance, mercy, and blessings for yourself and others.
Allah says:
Call upon Me; I will respond to you.
[Qur’an | Surah Ghafir | 40:60]
Focus on repentance and forgiveness, particularly in the last 10 nights when Allah’s mercy is at its peak.
You could create a dua list, or explore some recommended duas on our dua hub to help you stay focused and keep track of everything you want to ask Allah for during this blessed month.
Ramadan is a time for unity and togetherness. You can strengthen your relationships with those around you by praying as a family or community, breaking fasts together, and engaging in communal worship or charitable initiatives.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best of you to my family.
[Hadith | Tirmidhi]
The Qur’an also states:
The believers are but one brotherhood, so make peace between your brothers. And be mindful of Allah so you may be shown mercy.
[Qur’an | Surah Al-Hujurat | 49:10]
Whether with family, friends, neighbours, or even colleagues, use this time to reconnect with your community and support each other in acts of worship and generosity.
Ramadan offers countless opportunities to grow spiritually and earn immense rewards. By preparing well, dedicating time to the Qur’an, increasing acts of charity, and making the most of the last ten nights, you can truly maximise the blessings of this sacred month.
Let’s make this Ramadan a time of reflection, connection, and generosity, striving to please Allah (SWT) and build lasting bonds within our communities.
Find out more about Ramadan and its blessings here.
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Zia Salik was appointed Interim Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2025, and brings with him over 18 years of third sector experience. He has held several leadership roles within Islamic Relief UK, including National Events Coordinator, National Community Fundraising Manager, Head of Fundraising, and Deputy Director. Zia has led national fundraising strategies, managed large-scale campaigns and events, and contributed significantly to volunteer development, donor engagement and public outreach.
As Interim Director, Zia oversees multiple teams and contributes to strategic planning, operational leadership and organisational growth. He is recognised for his expertise in major donor management, public speaking, media engagement and community fundraising. Zia has been instrumental in building strong community networks and delivering impactful campaigns.
Before joining Islamic Relief, Zia served as Programmes Manager at Humber All Nations Alliance, where he led organisational growth, project delivery and funding proposals.
Zia is a seasoned leader committed to social justice, who brings a collaborative, mission-driven approach to his work, helping to amplify voices and maximise impact in the charity sector.
Nadeem has a wealth of experience from the charity, statutory and private sectors. He is the Managing Director of HAD (a division of IRW) which is a centre of excellence seeking to empower the humanitarian sector and maximise its effectiveness and from October 2025 will serve as our interim CEO.
Before joining Islamic Relief, for nearly a decade at the General Medical Council — a globally recognised professional regulator — Nadeem managed strategic relationships with Chief Medical Officers and senior leaders. Prior to that, he served as the UK Director of Islamic Help, engaging closely with many international non-governmental organisations and playing a key role in fundraising and media activities.
In 2000, Nadeem was admitted as a solicitor. He spent nearly 8 years as a Partner at a law firm specialising in employment, regulatory and charity law. He has published papers, including in the Modern Law Review, and chapters in books.
Nadeem is deeply committed to strengthening civil society organisations and the charity sector, and throughout his career has focused on improving foundations for future generations and building strong networks. Nadeem has particular expertise working in matters of Learning and Development, especially personal and professional development, combining Islamic principles with modern techniques and interventions. He is also especially interested in psychological perspectives and cognitive distortions. He has designed and delivered training to thousands of people for nearly 3 decades.
As well as individual development and growth, Nadeem has spent 20 years working with organisations to manage and lead people to improve outcomes and efficiencies. He is a Consultant Coach, qualified at ILM Level 5 in Effective Coaching and Mentoring and ILM Level 7 in Executive and Senior Leadership Coaching. He was Chair of the Independent Advisory Group for the Professional Standards Department of West Midlands Police for 4 years, where he was awarded recognition for his ‘Outstanding Work.’
Saqeb Mueen
Asha joined Islamic Relief in 2025 with the aim of working with colleagues to create an environment where everyone feels valued, empowered, and motivated to contribute meaningfully to our shared mission.
Asha has more than 20 years of experience in HR leadership across a range of industries, holding roles at Thomson Reuters, BMW, Movado Group and others. She is passionate about building strong, resilient teams and fostering positive workplace cultures where individuals are empowered to thrive, contribute and do their best work.
Asha holds a BA in Management, Economics and Law, as well as a BA in Business Studies. She is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development.
Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.
Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.
Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.
Nadeem Azhar
Nadeem joined Islamic Relief Worldwide in September 2022. He has worked in the charitable sector for over a decade.
He studied Modern History and Politics at Manchester University, and at the University of Law in London before qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.
Nadeem is an experienced corporate, commercial and governance lawyer, having worked with various faith-based and grant making charities as well those in health and education settings. He was a partner at a law firm in London before moving in-house where he focused on setting up and restructuring charities and social enterprises.
Most recently, Nadeem was Lead Counsel at Mind, a leading mental health charity, where he co-authored a new federation agreement, revamped legal processes, and played a major role in developing its strategic and fundraising partnerships.
Nadeem has been a charity trustee for the Seafarers Charity, as well as many grant-making bodies and theatre companies.
Salaheddin joined Islamic Relief UK in 2006 and over the next 7 years held multiple roles, including Community Fundraiser and Campaigns Manager, before joining Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2013.
Since then, Salaheddin has been instrumental in the launch and growth of new Islamic Relief member offices in Ireland, Spain, Norway and Finland, as well as providing essential support and guidance to existing members, including Italy, where he served as CEO for 3 years.
In 2023, Salaheddin became Deputy Director of Global Family Development and in this role has continued to play a crucial part in steering Islamic Relief’s growth and expansion. He has also led global fundraising and media engagement for major emergencies including the Türkiye-Syria earthquake and Libya floods. Salaheddin became the Interim Director of Global Family Development in 2025.
Salaheddin holds a master’s degree in International Development and is actively involved in several community-led initiatives. He is currently the Vice President of the International Union of Muslim Scouts and Deputy Chair of the UK Muslim Scouts Fellowship as well as Chair of the South Birmingham Muslim Community Association.
Martin Cottingham joined Islamic Relief in 2012 as IRUK Media Relations Manager, and was appointed Head of Communications in 2015 before taking up his current position as Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide.
Martin has helped Islamic Relief to increase its mainstream media profile and expand its campaigning work, producing hard-hitting advocacy reports on floods in Pakistan (2011) famine in Somalia (2012) disaster risk reduction (2013) and aid to Afghanistan (2014). He has over 20 years’ experience working in media, communications and marketing roles for international development and environmental charities.
Martin graduated from the University of London with a degree in English and Drama (1982-85) then trained as a journalist with a postgraduate diploma at City University (1986-87). He has previously worked for Christian Aid as Editor of Christian Aid News and Media Relations Manager (1988-97) for Oxfam as Regional Campaigns Manager (1997-2000) and at the Soil Association as Marketing Director (2001-2006), as well as working for a wide range of organisations as a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant.
Waseem Ahmad joined the Islamic Relief family over 24 years ago, serving as Programme Officer in the Balochistan province of south-western Pakistan before becoming Head of Programmes in Pakistan. Waseem then moved to Oxfam and Tearfund before returning to Islamic Relief to establish our mission in Malawi. Later serving as Head of Programme Funding and Partnerships, Waseem led the response to major crises across the globe, including the East Africa drought, Pakistan earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Waseem then served for nearly 6 years as our Director of International Programmes, during which time the charity secured and retained the coveted Core Humanitarian Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our programming. He was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.
With a special interest in community mobilisation and infrastructure, Waseem received an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, as well as an MSc in Economics from Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Waseem has also worked for Lepra Health in Action and is a member of the International Civil Society Centre’s Board of Trustees. The father-of-3 enjoys walking and playing football, and is a keen birdwatcher.