Fasting Hours in Ramadan 2025: A Global Overview
Muslims worldwide will begin fasting for Ramadan 2025 on Saturday, March 1, while some will start on Sunday, March 2. The duration of fasting varies significantly depending on geographical location, with some regions experiencing long daylight hours and others shorter ones.
Longest Fasting Hours in Ramadan 2025
Muslims in Scandinavian countries will observe the longest fasting durations due to their high latitudes, where the sun remains visible for extended periods.
Countries with the Longest Fasting Hours:
- Kiruna, Sweden: Nearly 20 hours and 30 minutes due to the "midnight sun" phenomenon.
- Nuuk, Greenland: Fasting may last up to 20 hours.
- Reykjavik, Iceland: Around 19 hours and 59 minutes.
- Finland: Close to 19 hours and 9 minutes.
- Norway and Canada: Regions above the Arctic Circle experience extremely long fasting hours.
Longest Fasting Hours in the Arab World
Among Arab nations, Algeria will have the longest fasting duration at 16 hours and 44 minutes. Most Arab countries will fast between 16 to 17 hours.
Shortest Fasting Hours in Ramadan 2025
Countries in the Southern Hemisphere will experience shorter fasting hours due to the season’s shorter daylight periods.
Countries with the Shortest Fasting Hours:
- Montevideo, Uruguay & Ciudad del Este, Paraguay: 11–12 hours.
- Johannesburg & Cape Town, South Africa: 11–12 hours.
- Christchurch, New Zealand & Buenos Aires, Argentina: 12 hours.
- King Scott, Chile: Around 11–12 hours, among the shortest in the world.
- Harare, Zimbabwe & Brasília, Brazil: 12–13 hours.
Shortest Fasting Hours in the Arab World
The shortest fasting duration in the Arab region will be in Somalia, where Muslims will fast for around 13 hours.
Factors Influencing Fasting Hours
- Geographical Location: Countries closer to the poles have extended daylight in summer and shorter daylight in winter.
- Seasonal Variations: Since Ramadan follows the lunar calendar, its timing shifts annually, altering fasting durations worldwide.
- Islamic Guidance for Extreme Locations: In areas where the sun barely sets, scholars recommend following the fasting hours of the nearest moderate city.
Conclusion
Ramadan 2025 presents diverse fasting experiences worldwide, from extreme 20-hour fasts in Scandinavian nations to 11-hour fasts in the Southern Hemisphere. Regardless of location, Muslims worldwide will observe this holy month with devotion and patience.
