How Geography Shapes Ramadan Fasting Hours

News Desk 

Islamabad: With the holy month of Ramadan just a week away, details of fasting hours across different parts of the world have emerged, highlighting significant variations due to geographical location.

Muslims living in northern regions, including northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland, are expected to observe some of the longest fasts this year.

In these areas, fasting durations are likely to exceed 16 hours and may approach 20 hours in certain locations because of extended daylight.

In contrast, countries closer to the equator and in the southern hemisphere will experience comparatively shorter fasting hours. 

Nations such as Brazil, South Africa, Chile, New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Kenya are expected to observe fasting periods ranging from 11 to 14 hours.

Islamic scholars have noted that in regions where daylight hours are unusually long or short, worshippers are permitted to follow the fasting schedule of Makkah or that of a nearby moderate city to ensure balance and ease.

Ramadan in 2026 is expected to begin on February 19, although the start date may vary by a day depending on the sighting of the moon.

Compared to last year, fasting hours during Ramadan 2026 are expected to be generally shorter in Pakistan, making the fast relatively easier for worshippers.