For Muslims around the world, the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan is both a cause for celebration as well as a means of fulfilling one of the five pillars of Islam, namely the Ramadan fast.
Although the Ramadan fasting hours vary around the world, they can generally be described as ‘from dawn till dusk,’ meaning that Muslims are not allowed to drink, eat, and engage in husband-wife intimacy for as long as the sun is still out.
Depending on where they are, the Ramadan fasting period can get quite punishing, as the daylight hours in some regions can last up to 18 hours!
Let’s take a look at some of the regions with the longest and shortest fasting hours around the world in 2024.
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When is Ramadan 2024?
The arrival of Ramadan has always been associated with a certain amount of mystique and contemplation. The exact date of the month’s beginning is traditionally determined by religious scholars/authorities under the cover of night as they seek to observe certain sightings related to the appearance and cycle of the moon.
For the year 2024, the Holy Month of Ramadan will commence on 11th March, according to the predictions.
It’s important to note, however, that due to the cycle of the moon, Ramadan dates vary in different countries, albeit typically only by a day. So, the answer to the question of when Ramadan 2024 starts would largely depend on where you live.
Many other countries celebrating Ramadan are likely to also observe the Holy Month starting from the 12th of March.
Longest and shortest fasting hours 2024
Essentially, the difference in fasting hours is due to the varying length of the day from one region to another. This has to do with the time of the year, distance from the equator, and some other sciency stuff that makes the sun appear longer or shorter depending on where you are.
Places with the longest fasting hours
Nuuk, Greenland
Fasting in Nuuk, Greenland, is observed for 18 hours 12 minutes, which is the longest fasting hour of all places.
Reykjavik, Iceland
In the capital city of Reykjavik, Iceland, Muslims must endure a punishing 18-hour-long fast.
Glasgow, Scotland
Muslims in Glasgow, Scotland, must sustain a grueling fast of 17 hours during Ramadan.
London, United Kingdom
The largest city and the capital of England and the United Kingdom, London also has the longest fasting hours for Muslims. A total of 15 to 16 hours of daylight makes completing a fast here a monumental feat.
Paris, France
The capital and the most populous city of France, Paris, also holds the longest fasting hours for the year 2023. The Muslims in Paris must find it within themselves to persevere through 15 hours and 54 minutes of submission.
Ottawa, Canada
This northernmost country in North America challenges a Muslim’s resolve by offering 15 hours and 12 minutes of fasting time. Those performing the Ramadan fast in Ottawa are advised to keep themselves fit by providing themselves with sufficient nutrition intake during their suhoor.
Other cities like Lisbon (Portugal), Athens (Greece), Beijing (China), Washington DC (US), Pyongyang (North Korea), and Ankara (Turkey) also have fasting hours for 15 to 16 hours.
Places with the shortest fasting hours
The following are places with the shortest fasting hours:
- Brasilia, Brazil – 12 to 13 hours
- Harare, Zimbabwe – 12 to 13 hours
- Johannesburg, South Africa – 11 to 12 hours
- Buenos Aires, Argentina – 12 hours
- Cape Town, South Africa – 11 to 12 hours
- Christchurch, New Zealand – 12 hours
- Ciudad del Este, Paraguay – 11 to 12 hours
- Montevideo, Uruguay – 11 to 12 hours
- King Scott, Chile – 11 to 12 hours
The average fasting hours in the above cities are just shy of 11 to 12 hours.
Average fasting hours worldwide
While the above places represent each end of the spectrum, the average fasting hours in some of the major countries of the world tend to be somewhere between the 13 to 14-hour mark. Here are the Ramadan fasting hours in some countries.
Middle East
Countries in the Middle East, such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and so on, generally fast for 14 to 15 hours. Though the hours aren’t as long as some of the places on the list, fasting in these countries may prove even more challenging due to the unforgiving heat.
Southeast Asia
Muslims in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia typically have an average fasting time of 12 to 14 hours per day. Comparatively short when compared to other regions in the northern hemisphere.
Africa
With the notable exception of South Africa, Muslims in African countries like Ethiopia, Senegal, and Nigeria fast for about 13 to 14 hours on average.
North and South America
Muslims living in South American countries, the likes of Argentina, Brazil, Chile and so on, fast for 11 to 13 hours, taking into account their exact location.
On the flip side, Muslims residing in North America will have to deal with longer hours, up to 15 to 16 hours, in Canada and the US.
Europe
In countries such as France and Switzerland, the hours are longer. Muslims in the region fast for about 16 to 17 hours, while those residing in Greece, Italy and Spain fast for 15 to 16 hours.
