Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam, is a time of spiritual reflection and devotion observed by Muslims worldwide. During this sacred period, Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. However, the length of these fasting hours varies greatly across the globe due to the Earth’s tilt and the sun’s position.
Understanding the Variations in Fasting Hours:
As the Earth orbits the sun on its tilted axis, the amount of daylight hours differs significantly at different latitudes. This natural phenomenon directly impacts the length of fasting periods during Ramadan.
Near the Equator: Countries closer to the equator experience shorter days, resulting in shorter fasting hours, typically around 12-14 hours.
Northern and Southern Latitudes: As we move towards the north and south poles, daylight hours increase, leading to longer fasting periods. During Ramadan 2024, some places in these regions can experience fasting times exceeding 20 hours, depending on the specific season.
Finding Guidance in Unique Circumstances:
In extreme situations where the sun doesn’t set for extended periods, like in Greenland and Alaska, Islamic scholars advise Muslims to follow the fasting timings of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, considering its status as the holiest site in Islam.
Fasting Durations in 2024:
Here’s a glimpse into the diverse fasting durations expected for Ramadan 2024:
Longest Fasting Hours:
Nuuk, Greenland (17 hours)
Reykjavik, Iceland (17 hours)
Helsinki, Finland (17 hours)
Glasgow, Scotland (16 hours)
Ottawa, Canada (16 hours)
Rome, Italy (16 hours)
Madrid, Spain (16 hours)
Zurich, Switzerland (16 hours)
London, United Kingdom (15-16 hours)
Paris, France (15-16 hours)
Shortest Fasting Hours:
Christchurch, New Zealand (12 hours)
Puerto Montt, Chile (12 hours)
Buenos Aires, Argentina (12 hours)
Nairobi, Kenya (13 hours)
Jakarta, Indonesia (13 hours)
Karachi, Pakistan (13-14 hours)
New Delhi, India (13-14 hours)
While most countries experience around 14 hours of fasting per day during Ramadan, some, like London and Paris, may see slight variations ranging from 15-16 hours.
It’s important to remember that these are estimated durations, and the actual fasting times can vary slightly depending on the specific location and the official moon sighting for Ramadan’s commencement.
By understanding these diverse fasting hours, we gain a deeper appreciation for the unique experiences Muslims worldwide encounter during this holy month.
