Bisina SomtoAs the Muslim holy month of Ramadan approaches, anticipation fills the hearts of millions around the globe. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, holds great significance for Muslims worldwide, marking a period of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and fasting
This year, Ramadan is expected to commence on Monday, March 11 or Tuesday, March 12, contingent upon the sighting of the new moon, and will last for approximately 29 to 30 days.
The Reason For Ramadan
Muslims believe Ramadan to be the month when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad more than 1,400 years ago.
This sacred time is honoured through acts of fasting, prayer, charity, and increased devotion to God. Fasting, known as Sawm, is a fundamental pillar of Islam observed by millions worldwide. From dawn until dusk, individuals abstain from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs, aiming to deepen their spiritual connection and attain greater consciousness of God, referred to as “taqwa.”
Annual Ramadan Dates
One of the distinctive aspects of Ramadan is its variable commencement date, which shifts each year. This fluctuation arises from the Islamic lunar calendar’s structure, where months are either 29 or 30 days long and based on the lunar Hijri calendar.
Consequently, Ramadan starts approximately 10 to 12 days earlier annually. Notably, in the year 2030, Ramadan will be observed twice, with significant variance – once commencing in January and again in December. The next occurrence of Ramadan beginning after March 12 is projected to be in the year 2057.
Fasting Hours Across the Globe
A fascinating aspect of Ramadan is the diversity of fasting hours experienced worldwide. The duration of fasting is influenced by geographical location, with regions closer to the poles witnessing longer daylight hours.
For instance, Muslims residing in the northernmost countries, such as Iceland or Greenland, endure fasts lasting 17 or more hours, while those in southern regions, like Chile or New Zealand, experience approximately 12 hours of fasting.
Intriguingly, fasting durations for Muslims in the Northern Hemisphere will gradually decrease until 2031, coinciding with Ramadan encompassing the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. Conversely, for individuals residing south of the equator, fasting hours will exhibit an opposite trend, gradually increasing until reaching the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
In extreme northern cities where the sun does not set for extended periods, adhering to traditional fasting practices presents unique challenges. Locations such as Longyearbyen in Norway, where the sun remains visible for months, prompt religious authorities to provide guidance, often recommending adherence to fasting schedules observed in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, or the nearest Muslim-majority regions.
Fasting Times
The observance of Ramadan extends beyond fasting hours, encompassing cultural practices and communal rituals. Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal marking the beginning of the fast, and iftar, the evening meal to break the fast, hold special significance in Muslim communities worldwide. Cities situated along similar longitudes typically share comparable iftar times, fostering a sense of unity and shared experience among Muslims globally.
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A Glimpse into Fasting Hours Around the World
The table below provides insights into suhoor and iftar times on the first and last days of Ramadan 2024 across various cities worldwide, reflecting the rich diversity of fasting experiences:
– Nuuk, Greenland: 16 hours
– Reykjavik, Iceland: 16 hours
– Helsinki, Finland: 15 hours
– Oslo, Norway: 15 hours
– Glasgow, Scotland: 15 hours
– Berlin, Germany: 15 hours
– Dublin, Ireland: 15 hours
– Moscow, Russia: 15 hours
– Amsterdam, the Netherlands: 15 hours
– Warsaw, Poland: 15 hours
– Astana, Kazakhstan: 15 hours
– Brussels, Belgium: 14 hours
– London, UK: 14 hours
– Zurich, Switzerland: 14 hours
– Stockholm, Sweden: 14 hours
– Bucharest, Romania: 14 hours
– Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: 14 hours
– Sofia, Bulgaria: 14 hours
– Rome, Italy: 14 hours
– Madrid, Spain: 14 hours
– Paris, France: 14 hours
– Lisbon, Portugal: 14 hours
– Ankara, Turkey: 14 hours
– Ottawa, Canada: 14 hours
– Tokyo, Japan: 14 hours
– Beijing, China: 14 hours
– Athens, Greece: 14 hours
– New York City, US: 14 hours
– Washington, DC, US: 14 hours
– Los Angeles, US: 14 hours
– Tunis, Tunisia: 14 hours
– Algiers, Algeria: 14 hours
– Tehran, Iran: 14 hours
– Kabul, Afghanistan: 14 hours
– New Delhi, India: 14 hours
– Dhaka, Bangladesh: 14 hours
– Rabat, Morocco: 14 hours
– Damascus, Syria: 14 hours
– Islamabad, Pakistan: 14 hours
– Baghdad, Iraq: 14 hours
– Beirut, Lebanon: 14 hours
– Amman, Jordan: 14 hours
– Gaza City, Palestine: 14 hours
– Cairo, Egypt: 14 hours
– Doha, Qatar: 13 hours
– Dubai, UAE: 13 hours
– Khartoum, Sudan: 13 hours
– Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: 13 hours
– Abuja, Nigeria: 13 hours
– Aden, Yemen: 13 hours
– Dakar, Senegal: 13 hours
– Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: 13 hours
– Buenos Aires, Argentina: 13 hours
– Colombo, Sri Lanka: 13 hours
– Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: 13 hours
– Mogadishu, Somalia: 13 hours
– Ciudad del Este, Paraguay: 13 hours
– Nairobi, Kenya: 13 hours
– Harare, Zimbabwe: 13 hours
– Jakarta, Indonesia: 13 hours
– Luanda, Angola: 13 hours
– Bangkok, Thailand: 13 hours
– Brasilia, Brazil: 13 hours
– Johannesburg, South Africa: 13 hours
– Montevideo, Uruguay: 13 hours
– Canberra, Australia: 13 hours
– Puerto Montt, Chile: 13 hours
– Christchurch, New Zealand: 13 hours
Ramadan Greetings
As Ramadan unfolds, Muslims exchange heartfelt greetings in their native languages, reinforcing bonds of kinship and goodwill. Common expressions such as “Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem” convey blessings and well-wishes for a blessed and generous month, exemplifying the spirit of compassion and unity inherent in Ramadan
Somto is an Entertainment Reporter with a passion for uncovering the latest stories in the world of entertainment. As a dedicated journalist, Somto delivers in-depth reporting, exclusive interviews, and breaking news coverage.
She covers a wide range of topics, from celebrity interviews to industry trends and film reviews.
As an Entertainment Reporter for Prime Business Africa, She continues to provide comprehensive and insightful coverage of the entertainment industry, offering readers an insider's perspective on the latest developments and trends. She is a trusted source for breaking news, exclusive interviews, and thought-provoking analyses.
Somto is dedicated to providing valuable information and entertainment to her audience while upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity.
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