Every year, Muslims around the world observe the Ramadan fast with great enthusiasm. However, the duration of fasting varies from country to country. This is influenced by geographical location, season, and length of daylight. In Ramadan 2025, countries in the northern and southern hemispheres of the Earth will experience significant differences in fasting times. This article will discuss which countries have the longest and shortest fasting durations, as well as the factors that influence them.
Why Does Fasting Duration Differ in Each Country?
Ramadan fasting begins from dawn (subuh) to sunset (maghrib). Because the Earth is round and tilted on its axis, the length of day and night varies depending on the location of a country. Countries near the poles (such as Norway or Iceland) can experience very long days in the summer, while countries near the equator (such as Indonesia) have relatively stable lengths of day and night throughout the year. In Ramadan 2025, which is expected to fall in March, countries in the northern hemisphere will enter spring, while the southern hemisphere will experience autumn. This will affect the length of fasting time.
Countries with the Longest Fasting Duration in Ramadan 2025
Here are the five countries that are expected to have the longest fasting times in Ramadan 2025:
- Kiruna, Sweden : Kiruna, a Swedish city located inside the Arctic Circle, will experience the longest fasting period during Ramadan 2025. Here, the sun almost never sets, making the fasting duration reach around 20 hours and 30 minutes.
- Nuuk, Greenland : Greenland's capital, Nuuk, will also experience a very long fasting period, reaching up to 20 hours. The "midnight sun" phenomenon causes long days in the region.
- Reykjavik, Iceland : In Reykjavik, Iceland, Muslims will fast for nearly 20 hours, with the sun only setting briefly.
- Helsinki, Finland : In Helsinki, Finland, the fasting duration will be approximately 19 hours and 9 minutes.
- Oslo, Norway : Oslo, the capital of Norway, will also experience a long fasting period, around 20 hours and 30 minutes.
Countries with the Shortest Fasting Duration in Ramadan 2025
Meanwhile, the following countries enjoy shorter fasting times:
- Puerto Montt, Chile : In Puerto Montt, Chile, Muslims will experience the shortest fasting time, with a duration of between 11 to 12 hours.
- Christchurch, New Zealand : In Christchurch, New Zealand, the fasting duration will be approximately 12 hours.
- Johannesburg, South Africa : In Johannesburg, South Africa, Muslims will fast for about 11 to 12 hours.
- Buenos Aires, Argentina : In Buenos Aires, Argentina, the fasting duration will be around 12 hours.
- Brasilia, Brazil : In Brasilia, Brazil, Muslims will fast for 12 to 13 hours.
How Do Muslims in Extreme Countries Fast?
Long or short fasting duration certainly affects worship patterns and daily activities. In countries with very long days, such as Iceland, some scholars provide leniency (rukhsah) to follow the fasting schedule of the nearest Islamic country or Mecca. While in tropical countries like Indonesia, the main challenge is hot weather and high humidity.
Technology also helps Muslims organize their prayer times. Prayer schedule apps and iftar reminders are now available worldwide. In addition, Muslim communities in minority countries often hold iftar events together to maintain ties.
Other Factors Affecting Fasting Duration
- Change of Seasons
Since the Hijri calendar moves 10–11 days earlier each year, Ramadan can fall in either winter or summer. In 2025, Ramadan will fall in the northern hemisphere during spring, so the fast will not be as long as it would be in summer. - Geographical location
The further a country is from the equator, the greater the difference in the length of day and night. Countries at high latitudes (such as Scandinavia) experience extreme variations, while tropical countries are relatively stable. - Local Policy
Some countries set fasting hours based on local clerics' agreement. For example, in areas with the midnight sun, Muslims can follow the Mecca schedule.
Conclusion
Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, patience, and togetherness. While the duration of fasting varies around the world, the essence of this holy month remains the same. Muslims around the world will unite in observing the fast, regardless of the different fasting times they face. With the right preparation and community support, they will be able to experience this holy month with full blessings.
Hopefully this article gives a clear picture of the fasting duration in various countries during Ramadan 2025. Happy performing Ramadan 2025, may every second bring blessings. If you have any questions or want to share your thoughts, feel free to contact me!
