Islamonweb

The holy month of Ramadan 1446 AH has begun in several countries, with official announcements emerging from various Islamic nations regarding the sighting of the crescent moon. The start of Ramadan varies across countries based on different moon sighting methodologies.

As of now, Indonesia and Australia have declared that Saturday, March 1, 2025, is marked as the first day of Ramadan. Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has also confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon, making today the first day of fasting. The other GCC countries, including Qatar and Oman, have also declared Saturday, March 1, as the first day of Ramadan.

Meanwhile, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka did not sight the moon on Friday, February 28, 2025. Therefore, Ramadan in these countries will commence on Sunday, March 2, 2025, with Taraweeh prayers beginning on the evening of Saturday, March 1.

Across the world, fasting hours will vary significantly due to geographical differences. Algeria will have the longest fasting duration in the Arab world, with Muslims fasting for 16 hours and 44 minutes. In contrast, Somalia will experience the shortest fasting period at approximately 13 hours. In many Arab nations, fasting hours this year will range between 16 and 17 hours, depending on location.

In Scandinavian regions, such as Sweden, Norway, and Finland, fasting hours will be among the longest, exceeding 20 hours in some areas. In Kiruna, Sweden, the sun dips below the horizon for only a few minutes, resulting in one of the longest fasting durations. Similarly, Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, will experience fasting of up to 20 hours due to the “midnight sun” phenomenon. Iceland will observe fasting for around 19 hours and 59 minutes, while Helsinki, Finland, will have a fasting duration of 19 hours and 9 minutes.

Countries with Longest Fasting Hours:

1. Sweden (Kiruna): 20 hours 30 minutes
2. Norway: 20 hours 30 minutes
3. Finland (Helsinki): 19 hours 9 minutes

Conversely, countries in the Southern Hemisphere will have much shorter fasting durations. In Brasilia, Brazil, Harare, Zimbabwe, and Islamabad, Pakistan, fasting will last between 12 and 13 hours. Cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa, Ciudad del Este in Paraguay, and Montevideo in Uruguay will observe fasting durations of 11 to 12 hours. Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Christchurch, New Zealand, will have fasting for about 12 hours, while King Scott in Chile will experience one of the shortest fasting periods, lasting between 11 and 12 hours.

Countries with Shortest Fasting Hours:

1. Brasilia, Brazil: 12-13 hours
2. Harare, Zimbabwe: 12-13 hours
3. Islamabad, Pakistan: 12-13 hours

In India, fasting durations will range between 12 hours and 53 minutes to 13 hours and 42 minutes as the month progresses.

These variations in fasting hours are due to the positioning of these locations relative to the equator and poles, as longer daylight hours occur in some regions during this time of the year.

With Ramadan 1446 approaching, Muslims worldwide prepare for a month of fasting, worship, and unity, adjusting to the varying fasting durations based on their geographic location. Further official updates from religious authorities across different nations are expected as the month begins.

Source :  The Express Tribune , Hindusthan Times