Longest and Shortest Fasting Hours in Ramadan 2023

Ramadan is a holy month observed by Muslims worldwide and it is the month in which the Quran is believed to be revealed to the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

When is Ramadan?

Ramadan 2023 is expected to take place on the evening of Thursday, March 23, and end on the evening of Saturday, Apr 22, 2023. Dates may vary from year to year and are determined by the sighting of the new moon. Typically, Ramadan lasts for either 29 or 30 days. During this time, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from food, drink, and other physical needs as a means of spiritual purification and reflection. The fast is broken each evening at sunset with a meal called "Iftar."

Duration of Fasting

Muslims across the globe observe a period of fasting that starts before sunrise and ends at sunset. The duration of this fast varies between 10 to 21 hours depending on the geographical location. The duration of the fast can vary depending on the geographical location and the time of year. In places closer to the equator, the duration of the fast may be shorter, while in places further away, the fast may be longer. Additionally, the length of the fast can also depend on the time of year, as the days are longer during the summer months compared to the winter months.

What happens in Ramadan?

In addition to fasting, Ramadan is a time for increased prayer, charitable acts, and community gatherings. Muslims often gather together for nightly meals, known as iftars, to break their fast and spend time with loved ones. Ramadan is considered one of the most important months in the Islamic calendar, and it is a time for Muslims to deepen their connection with their faith and with each other. It is a time for self-discipline, compassion, and generosity, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of spirituality and community in our lives. The act of fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is believed to bring spiritual benefits such as increased empathy, patience, and gratitude.

Countries with the Shortest Fasting Hours

Country            Duration of the fast

Chile                     11 hours & 30 minutes

South Africa         11 to 12 hours

New Zealand       11 to 12 hours

Paraguay             11 to 12 hours

Uruguay              11 to 12 hours

Singapore           13 to 14 hours

Malaysia             13 to 14 hours

Sudan                 13 to 14 hours

Yemen                13 to 14 hours

Brazil                  12 to 13 hours

Zimbabwe          12 to 13 hours

Indonesia           12 to 13 hours

Countries with the Longest Fasting Hours  

Country        Duration of the fast

Iceland             16 hours and 50 minutes

Greenland        16 to 17 hours

France              16 to 17 hours

Poland             16 to 17 hours

England           16 to 17 hours

Portugal          15 to 16 hours

Greece            15 to 16 hours

China              15 to 16 hours

US                   15 to 16 hours

Turkey            15 to 16 hours

Canada           15 to 16 hours

North Korea   15 to 16 hours

Japan             14 to 15 hours

Pakistan         14 to 15 hours

Iran                14 to 15 hours

Iraq                14 to 15 hours

Syria              14 to 15 hours

Palestine       14 to 15 hours

India             14 to 15 hours

UAE              14 to 15 hours

Qatar           14 to 15 hours

KSA             14 to 15 hours

In countries where the sun does not set during Ramadan, such as some parts of northern Norway, Muslims follow the timings of the nearest Muslim-majority country to determine their fasting hours.

On the other hand, in countries where the sun does not rise during Ramadan, such as some parts of Antarctica, Muslims follow the fasting hours of the nearest country where the sun does rise.

In conclusion, the rules for fasting during Ramadan remain the same, including abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs during the daylight hours of Ramadan. However, there may be some flexibility allowed in these circumstances to ensure that individuals can still fulfill their religious obligations while preserving their health and well-being.