Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, observed by millions of Muslims worldwide. The fast lasts from dawn to sunset, during which time participants refrain from food, drink, and other physical needs. However, due to the Earth’s axial tilt and the variation in daylight hours, fasting durations vary significantly depending on geographical location. Some countries experience extremely long fasting hours, while others observe much shorter periods. In this article, we explore the longest and shortest fasting times across the globe and how Muslims in these regions adapt to the challenge.
The Longest Fasting Hours in the World
1. Tromsø, Norway – Up to 20-21 Hours
Tromsø, situated above the Arctic Circle, experiences dramatic seasonal variations in daylight. During Ramadan in summer months, daylight extends for up to 21 hours, making fasting extremely challenging. In some years, the city experiences the Midnight Sun, where the sun never sets. When this happens, religious authorities allow Muslims to follow the fasting times of the nearest Muslim-majority city, such as Mecca or Istanbul.
2. Reykjavik, Iceland – Around 19-21 Hours
Similar to Norway, Iceland has extraordinarily long summer days and extremely short nights. During Ramadan, fasting can stretch up to 21 hours. Many Muslims in Iceland follow the timings of Mecca or Turkey to manage the long hours, while others fast from dawn to sunset as per the local time.
3. Helsinki, Finland – Up to 19-20 Hours
Finland, particularly in its northernmost regions, experiences extensive daylight hours in the summer. Fasting in Helsinki and other northern areas lasts approximately 20 hours, leaving only a short window to eat and hydrate. Islamic scholars advise following alternative fasting schedules in extreme conditions.
4. Stockholm, Sweden – Around 18-19 Hours
Stockholm’s summer days are long, pushing fasting hours close to 19 hours. However, as in other northern countries, many Muslims seek guidance from religious authorities on adjusting their fasting schedules to more manageable hours.
5. Edinburgh, Scotland – 18-19 Hours
Scotland also experiences prolonged daylight hours in the summer, resulting in nearly 19-hour-long fasts. This poses a significant challenge for the Muslim community, requiring careful meal planning and hydration strategies to sustain energy throughout the day.
The Shortest Fasting Hours in the World
1. Ushuaia, Argentina – Around 11 Hours
Located near the southernmost tip of South America, Ushuaia experiences long winter nights during Ramadan, resulting in some of the shortest fasting hours in the world. Muslims here fast for around 11 hours, a stark contrast to their counterparts in the Arctic regions.
2. Cape Town, South Africa – 11-12 Hours
Cape Town enjoys relatively short fasting hours compared to many other parts of the world. During Ramadan, fasting durations range from 11 to 12 hours, providing a more manageable fasting experience for the local Muslim community.
3. Christchurch, New Zealand – Around 11-12 Hours
New Zealand’s location in the Southern Hemisphere means that Ramadan often falls during the cooler months, with relatively short fasting times of around 11 to 12 hours.
4. Jakarta, Indonesia – 12-13 Hours
Indonesia, being close to the equator, has fairly consistent daylight hours throughout the year. Muslims in Jakarta and other regions typically fast for about 12 to 13 hours, making it one of the more moderate fasting durations globally.
5. São Paulo, Brazil – 12-13 Hours
Similar to Indonesia, Brazil’s proximity to the equator results in moderate fasting durations of approximately 12-13 hours. This makes fasting more manageable compared to the extreme durations experienced in northern countries.
How Muslims Adapt to Extreme Fasting Hours
Muslims observing long fasts follow various strategies to maintain their energy and hydration levels:
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Nutrient-Dense Meals: Consuming slow-digesting foods like whole grains, proteins, and healthy fats helps sustain energy.
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Hydration: Drinking plenty of water and electrolyte-rich fluids during non-fasting hours prevents dehydration.
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Adjusting Schedules: Some Muslims follow alternative fasting schedules based on religious guidance to avoid extreme fasts.
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Community Support: Local mosques and community centers provide support, guidance, and iftar (breaking fast) gatherings to strengthen spiritual commitment.
Conclusion
Fasting during Ramadan is a deeply spiritual practice that varies significantly based on geographic location. While some Muslims endure fasts lasting over 20 hours, others observe shorter durations of around 11 hours. Despite these variations, the commitment to fasting remains strong worldwide, with many adapting to the challenges through careful meal planning, hydration, and community support. Regardless of the fasting hours, Ramadan remains a time of reflection, devotion, and unity for Muslims across the globe.
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