Muslims worldwide will begin fasting from dawn to dusk starting Wednesday, February 18. The month of fasting lasts for either 29 or 30 days, during which no food, drink, smoking, or sexual relations are allowed during daylight hours.
Ramadan commemorates the month when the Quran’s first verses were revealed to Prophet Muhammad over 1,400 years ago. Observers aim to increase their spiritual consciousness, known as “taqwa”, through various acts of devotion and self-restraint.
Why Does Ramadan Change Dates Each Year?
Ramadan’s start date shifts annually by 10 to 12 days due to the Islamic lunar calendar. This calendar consists of months that are either 29 or 30 days long, making the year about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar.
In the Northern Hemisphere, nearly 90% of the global population will experience slightly shorter fasting hours compared to last year. This trend will continue until 2031, when Ramadan aligns with the winter solstice—the year’s shortest day.
Conversely, those living below the equator in countries like Chile and New Zealand will see longer fasting hours this Ramadan than in previous years. The lunar calendar structure means Ramadan will occur twice in 2030—once in early January and again in late December.
Fasting Hours Vary Worldwide
Daylight duration directly affects fasting hours. During this Ramadan, the Northern Hemisphere experiences shorter fasts lasting approximately 12 to 13 hours on the first day. However, these hours will gradually increase as the month progresses.
Southern Hemisphere nations observe longer fasts initially, roughly 14 to 15 hours, with the fasting duration decreasing as Ramadan continues. This variation illustrates the global diversity of Ramadan observance influenced by geography and seasonal changes.
Fasting Schedule Examples
Below are estimated fasting times for selected cities on the first and last days of Ramadan 2026:
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: 13 hours on start day, increasing towards month-end.
- London, UK: Starts near 12 hours, lengthening slightly.
- Johannesburg, South Africa: Over 14 hours initially, shortening throughout Ramadan.
- Santiago, Chile: Similar extended fasting durations exceeding 14 hours.
- Auckland, New Zealand: Long fasts beginning around 15 hours, decreasing toward the end.
These listed times reflect the daily routine Muslims follow for pre-dawn meals (suhoor) and evening meals (iftar), marking the start and end of fasting each day.
Ramadan Greetings Across Cultures
Muslim-majority countries share common greetings such as “Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem,” wishing others a blessed or generous fasting period. Different languages have unique expressions, reflecting the cultural richness of the global Islamic community.
German speakers say “Gesegneten Ramadan,” while Arabic speakers commonly use “رمضان مبارك”. In Turkish, “Ramazanınız mübarek olsun” is traditional. These greetings foster a sense of unity and shared faith during the holy month.
This Ramadan represents another spiritual cycle where millions commit to fasting, prayer, and reflection. Awareness of local fasting times helps communities observe practices accurately and respectfully amid the world’s geographical diversity.
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