Fasting Hours Vary by Region During Ramadan 2026 Worldwide

Muslims to Observe Fasting During Upcoming Holy Month of Ramadan

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is set to begin on February 18 or 19, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. The duration of the fast will vary by location, ranging from 11.5 to 15.5 hours.

Ramadan, which lasts 29 or 30 days, marks a significant period in the Islamic calendar. According to tradition, it was during this month that the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad over 1,400 years ago.

During Ramadan, Muslims will abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk, typically for a period of 12 to 15 hours. This practice is intended to promote “taqwa,” or consciousness of God.

The start date of Ramadan varies each year due to the Islamic calendar’s lunar Hijri basis. The calendar’s months are 29 or 30 days long, resulting in a shift of approximately 10 to 12 days from one year to the next.

This year, nearly 90 percent of the world’s population living in the Northern Hemisphere will experience shorter fasting hours compared to previous years. In contrast, Muslims south of the equator will face longer fasting periods.

The lunar calendar’s discrepancy with the solar year results in Ramadan being observed twice in 2030 – first beginning on January 5 and then starting on December 26. The duration of daylight hours varies across the globe, affecting the length of the fast. In the Northern Hemisphere, the shortest fasts will occur during this Ramadan, while those in southern countries like Chile, New Zealand, and South Africa will experience longer fasts.

Various greetings are exchanged among Muslim-majority nations during Ramadan, including “Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem.”

Source: Al Jazeera