Ramadan 2024: Exploring Fasting Times Across The Globe
Following the latest sighting of the crescent, Saudi Arabia has officially declared that the commencement of the fasting month of Ramadan will be on Monday, March 11. This period of dawn-to-dusk fasting, observed by Muslims worldwide, ranges from 12 to 17 hours based on geographical location.
The significance of Ramadan lies in its marking of the period when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over 1,400 years ago. During daylight hours, Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and sexual activities, aiming to achieve a heightened awareness of God, known as "taqwa".
Each year, Ramadan starts 10 to 12 days earlier than the previous one due to the Islamic lunar calendar, which is shorter than the solar year by 11 days. Remarkably, in 2030, Ramadan will be observed twice - initially on January 5 and later on December 26. It will next start after March 12 in the year 2057, marking a 33-year interval.
Depending on their location on the globe, Muslims experience varying fasting durations. For instance, individuals in the southernmost countries like Chile or New Zealand fast for about 12 hours, whereas those in northern regions like Iceland or Greenland undertake fasts exceeding 17 hours. In the Northern Hemisphere, fasting hours will slightly decrease this year and will continue to do so until 2031, coinciding with the winter solstice. Conversely, in the Southern Hemisphere, fasting durations will follow an opposite trend.
In extreme cases, such as in Longyearbyen, Norway, where the sun does not set for a period each year, religious guidance allows Muslims to follow the prayer times of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, or the nearest Muslim country.
Global Fasting Hours
The ritual pre-dawn meal is known as suhoor, while the meal to break the fast after sunset is called iftar. Interestingly, cities located along the same longitude experience similar iftar times. An infographic illustrates which cities are having suhoor while others have iftar.
Around the World Fasting Hours
A table detailing suhoor and iftar times for the first and last days of Ramadan in 2024 highlights the global variations in fasting hours. Cities like Nuuk in Greenland and Reykjavik in Iceland see some of the longest fasting hours, around 16 hours, while cities closer to the equator, such as Doha, Dubai, and Riyadh, have shorter fasting durations, around 13 hours.
Notably, cities like London, Paris, and New York City also observe fasting periods of approximately 14 hours, illustrating the wide range of fasting experiences across different cultures and climates.
This year's Ramadan observance underscores the diverse practices and adaptations of Muslims around the world, reflecting their commitment to their faith across various geographical and environmental contexts.
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