The Muslim holy month of Ramadan has begun worldwide, with Muslims observing the fast refraining from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk, a period lasting from 12 to 16 hours depending on their location.
Understanding the Significance of Ramadan
Ramadan is a month of spiritual reflection, devotion, and self-discipline for Muslims around the world. It is believed to be the month when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad more than 1,400 years ago.
The fast entails abstinence from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual relations during daylight hours to achieve greater “taqwa”, or consciousness of God.
The lunar Hijri calendar, which is used to determine the start of Ramadan, has months that are 29 or 30 days long.
This means that Ramadan begins 10 to 12 days earlier each year, and will be observed twice in the year 2030 – first beginning on January 5 and then starting on December 26.
Fasting Hours Around the World
The number of daylight hours varies across the world, affecting the duration of the fast.
Muslims living in the world’s southernmost countries, such as Chile or New Zealand, will fast for about 13 hours, while those living in the northernmost countries, such as Iceland or Greenland, will have fasts lasting 16 hours or more on their longest days.
For Muslims living in the Northern Hemisphere, the number of fasting hours will be a bit shorter this year and will continue to decrease until 2031, which is the year Ramadan will encompass the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year.
After that, fasting hours will increase in the Northern Hemisphere until its summer solstice, the longest day of the year.
Ramadan Fasting Times Around the World
The table below shows the suhoor and iftar times on the first and last days of Ramadan 2025. Use the arrows or search box to find your city.
Below are the average number of fasting hours in cities around the world. Actual fasting hours and times will vary by day as well as calculation methods.
Some cities with the longest fasting hours include Nuuk, Greenland, and Reykjavik, Iceland, with 16 hours, while cities like Christchurch, New Zealand, and Puerto Montt, Chile, have the shortest fasting hours, with around 13 hours.
Preparing for Ramadan
Preparing for Ramadan requires physical and mental preparation.
Muslims try to adjust their sleep schedules and meal timings to accommodate the fasting period. It is also essential to maintain a healthy diet during Ramadan, with foods that are rich in nutrients and fiber.
In some countries, special Ramadan markets and bazaars are set up, offering traditional foods and drinks, as well as spiritual goods and items. Many people also prepare for Ramadan by reading Islamic literature, attending mosque services, and engaging in acts of charity.
Ramadan Greetings in Different Languages
Muslim-majority nations have various greetings in their native languages for Ramadan. “Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem” are the most common greetings exchanged in this period, wishing the recipient a blessed or generous month, respectively.
In some countries, special Ramadan greetings are exchanged, such as “Ramadan Saeed” in Egypt, “Ramazan Bayramı” in Turkey, and “Selamat Berpuasa” in Indonesia.
Ramadan is a month of spiritual growth, self-reflection, and community bonding for Muslims around the world. As the Muslim holy month begins, people come together to pray, fast, and engage in acts of charity and kindness.
Whether you are observing Ramadan or simply want to learn more about this important Islamic tradition, we hope this article has provided you with valuable insights and information.
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