Ramadan has officially begun around the globe, the month marks one of the year’s most awaited and sacred events in the Islamic calendar. Muslims are now fasting from sunrise to sunset for an entire month, dedicating their good deeds and prayers to Allah.
Several factors regulate the duration of daylight such as geographical location, the time of the year, and the distance from the equator. Hence why fasting hours can vary greatly from one country to another. The longest fasting hours are observed in Nuuk, Greenland with a total of 20 hours whereas the shortest hours are witnessed in Johannesburg, South Africa with 11 hours and 12 minutes.
Africa:
Most African countries have similar fasting hours with the exception of South Africa. This year, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt are set to fast for an approximate duration of 13 hours per day. South Africa on the other hand is fasting a total of 11 hours daily.
The Middle East:
Countries located in the Middle East such as the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan tend to record high temperatures making fasting even more challenging for the Muslim population. The fasting hours typically vary between 14 and 15 hours across the region.
Europe:
On the European continent, the duration of fasting is longer. For Muslims residing in Greece, Italy, and Spain, their fasting hours range between 15 and 16 hours. Residents of France, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, will be fasting between 16 and 17 hours.
America:
Residents of South American countries such as Brazil and Argentina will have fasting hours ranging between 11 to 13 hours. Whereas Muslims living in the northern region such as the United States and Canada will have to maintain their fast for approximately 15-16 hours.
Southeast Asia and Australia:
Muslims residing in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia will be fasting for around 12 to 14 hours per day. As for Australia, its locals will also have to fast for approximately 14 hours this Ramadan season.
