Mapping the global range of Ramadan fasting timings from Iceland to New Zealand
With Ramadan about to begin on March 12, Muslims throughout the world observe different fasting periods during this holy month. Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset throughout this holy month, however the exact duration of the fast varies greatly from nation to nation.
The average fasting period is between 10 and 18 hours, and the length of the fast is mostly dependent on one’s geographic location. those close to the equator often observe shorter fasting hours, but those in northern and southern latitudes observe longer fasts because of the differing durations of daylight.
The sun’s position is the main element affecting how long and how short the fasting period is. Special arrangements are made for those who fast to choose a precise time for their fast or base it on Makkah, the Islamic holy site, in places like Greenland and Alaska, where the sun never sets.
Iceland is expected to fast for more than 18 hours this year, longer than any other country in the world. Finland, Scotland, and Canada will follow closely, with 17 to 18 hours predicted to be fasted. Muslims will fast for sixteen to seventeen hours in Britain and France, and fifteen to sixteen hours in Switzerland, Italy, and Spain.
Conversely, it is anticipated that New Zealand, Chile, and Argentina would have the shortest fasting periods, with a maximum duration of 12 hours and 44 minutes. Fasting periods in the area vary from 13 to 15 hours in nations like Pakistan, India, and Indonesia, among others.
The variety of the Muslim world and its devotion to local customs, geography, and the lunar calendar are reflected in these variances in fasting hours. Ramadan is a genuinely global and culturally rich experience for Muslims worldwide since it is observed in a variety of ways around the world. It is a month of spiritual introspection, self-discipline, and communal togetherness.
I am a dedicated student currently in my seventh semester, pursuing a degree in International Relations. Alongside my academic pursuits, I am actively engaged in the professional field as a content writer at the Rangeinn website.
