From everyone here at Afghanaid, we wish all those celebrating a very happy and peaceful Ramadan!

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is considered to be the holiest month of the year in Islam, where Muslims worldwide fast during daylight hours to commemorate the first time the Qur’an, their holy book, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

Ramadan is a month of spiritual rejuvenation, where most Muslims try to avoid negative acts or their personal vices, whilst instead practicing positive acts, self-control and compassion for those less fortunate than themselves. It is also a month to focus on devotion, during which many Muslims will spend extra time reading the Qur’an and performing special prayers.

When is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar - the timing is based on sightings of the crescent moon which means that the dates vary slightly from year to year. In 2018, the month of Ramadan will begin around Wednesday 16th May and, approximately, end on the evening of Thursday 17th June.

Ramadan ends with the holiday of Eid al-Fitr, the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast, where families and friends gather together to share celebratory meals and give gifts to their children. Eid al-Fitr is considered to be a time for gratitude, forgiveness and for making amends.

Charitable giving during Ramadan

Ramadan is believed to be the best time of the year to practice positive acts such as giving to charity. The rewards for generous deeds during Ramadan are believed to be multiplied many times over. It is the most popular month for paying Zakat (donating 2.5% of your wealth to charity) - each year, British Muslims give millions of pounds to charities.

Together, we can make a real difference

Everything Afghanaid does is geared towards achieving our vision of a peaceful and thriving Afghanistan. Sadly, many Afghan women and girls still desperately need our help. We know that we can only achieve our goals with your support. This Ramadan, we are asking you to help give a lifeline to vulnerable women and girls in Afghanistan, so that they can claim their human rights and build a brighter future for themselves, their families and their communities.

No matter how small or large, your donation will truly make a lasting difference, as the women we help now will blaze a trail for future generations. Afghanaid will make sure that your gift will provide the best possible support to those who need it most.

Who your support can help

Your donation could change the course of a woman's life. A donation today will enable us to work with more communities, helping us to reach many more women and girls, so that they can claim their rights and build a brighter future for themselves and their families.

Massouda’s Story  Samira's Story  Mawlawi Kakar's Story

Find out more: How you can help