Fasting Duration in Various Countries, Some Last Up to 16 Hours!

For Muslims, the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan is one of the celebrations and opportunities to increase good deeds, especially the fasting of Ramadan.

The schedule for fasting during Ramadan can vary across the world. However, in general, the fasting duration is defined as "fasting from dawn until sunset," which means that all Muslims who fast must abstain from desires for food, drink, and anger while observing the fast.

However, even though all Muslims around the world observe fasting, the methods and duration of fasting can vary!

From those who have to endure long hours of hunger and thirst due to longer daylight hours in their regions, to those with shorter fasting durations due to shorter daylight hours. Let's explore the fasting durations in various countries, from the longest to the shortest!

List of Countries with the Longest Fasting Duration

Greenland

Source: Freepik

Greenland, located in the northern region, faces a considerably long fasting duration during the month of Ramadan. The region experiences prolonged daylight for several months during the summer, resulting in fasting periods lasting up to 16 hours and 1 minute.

Netherlands

Although not as long as Greenland, the Netherlands ranks second with a significant fasting duration of 14 hours and 11 minutes. 

Kazakhstan

Located in Central Asia, Kazakhstan experiences a fasting duration of around 14 hours and 9 minutes, placing it third with a relatively long fasting period. Geographic factors and seasons influence the length of fasting during Ramadan. 

The United Kingdom

The United Kingdom atau United Kingdom ranks fourth with a relatively long fasting duration of 13 hours and 56 minutes. Weather conditions and geographic location play a role in determining the fasting duration during the holy month.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Ranked fifth among countries with the longest fasting durations is Bosnia and Herzegovina. Muslims there fast for approximately 13 hours and 49 minutes. 

Albania

In sixth place is Albania, located in Europe with a Muslim population of around 70%, fasting for about 13 hours and 48 minutes. This significantly influences the daily lives of Muslim communities in the country.

Turkey

Turkey, situated on the border between Europe and Asia, has a fasting duration similar to Albania, approximately 13 hours and 46 minutes, placing it seventh among countries with the longest fasting periods.

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New Zealand

New Zealand is a country located in the continent Oceania and has a relatively long fasting duration. Although New Zealand is not a majority Muslim country, it observes fasting for 13 hours and 42 minutes. 

Morocco

Morocco ranks ninth as a country with one of the longest fasting durations. Morocco is located in the North African region. Muslims there observe fasting for approximately 13 hours and 34 minutes. Geographic factors and Islamic traditions influence the fasting duration in this country. 

Pakistan

Pakistan is a country in South Asia with the largest Muslim population in the world, observing a fasting period of approximately 13 hours and 32 minutes during the month of Ramadan. Religious factors and the Islamic calendar play a crucial role in determining the fasting duration.

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Daftar Negara yang Puasa Terpendek

Brazil

Although Brazil has a majority non-Muslim population, fasting during Ramadan in Brazil lasts around 12 to 13 hours, reflecting the diversity of religious practices in the country.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe experiences fasting periods of approximately 12 to 13 hours in some regions, considering geographical variations and climatic conditions affecting daylight duration.

South Africa

Johannesburg, as a city in South Africa, faces fasting periods of around 11 to 12 hours. This variation in timing reflects differences in daylight duration in the region.

Argentina

Argentina observes fasting periods of about 12 hours in Buenos Aires. Despite the minority Muslim population in the country, there is recognition and tolerance of religious practices.

South Africa

Cape Town, as one of the cities in South Africa, experiences fasting periods of around 11 to 12 hours during Ramadan, depicting variations in daylight duration in the area.

New Zealand

Although New Zealand is not a majority Muslim country, they observe fasting periods of around 12 hours in Christchurch.

Paraguay

Paraguay experiences fasting periods of about 11 to 12 hours in Ciudad del Este. Geographic and climatic factors play a role in determining daylight duration.

Read Also: Understanding Climate Diversity in the Continent of Europe

Uruguay

Uruguay observes fasting periods of approximately 11 to 12 hours in Montevideo. Despite a minority Muslim community, there is respect for religious diversity, fostering mutual respect for individuals' beliefs.

Chile

Chile faces fasting periods of about 11 to 12 hours in King Scott. This is influenced by geography and seasons, resulting in relatively short fasting durations in this region

After knowing the fasting durations in various countries,it can be concluded that Muslims worldwide face different challenges during Ramadan. From those fasting for long hours to shorter periods, these differences reflect geographical conditions, seasons, and the locations where Muslims reside.