Where will you fast the longest - and where least - in Ramadan

The number of hours of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan varies from one country to another according to the latitude and longitude.

Muslims in Denmark will observe the longest fasting period in the world - for 21 hours, according to the latest maps recording fasting hours across the world.

Those in Argentina will fast the least number of hours - 9 hours and 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, people in the UAE will fast for about an average 14 hours and 51 minutes. According to astrologers, the northern hemisphere will observe not only the longest fasting period but also the most heat in at least 33 years during this Ramadan. This is because of the Sun passing over the Tropic of Cancer in the northern hemisphere, making it the peak of summer in the northern hemisphere and winter in the southern hemisphere.

Long fasting hours

As per the global map, countries with long fasting hours include Iceland, Sweden and Norway  of about 20 hours.

The Netherlands and Belgium with 18 hours and 30 minutes; Spain 17 hours and 30 minutes; while England and Germany at 16 hours and 30 minutes.

Those in the US, France and Italy will fast for 16 hours.

Medium fasting hours

Residents in the GCC and Middle East fall under this category. Those in Egypt will fast up to 16-and-a-half hours; and people in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Palestine for 15 hours.

In Yemen, fasting period will be 14 hours and 50 minutes; in Qatar 14 hours and 40 minutes; Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, Syria and Algeria, Morocco and Libya, Sudan will observe 14 hours.

Least fasting hours

Australia will observe fast for 10 hours this Ramadan; South Africa 10 hours and 30 minutes; Brazil 11 hours; Mexico 13 hours and 20 minutes.

Muslim scholars have set the duration of fast from dawn to sunset. They advise residents of towers and high buildings to delay breaking fast until the sun sets before their eyes.

They are advised to wait until the sun has completely set and not rely on adhan of Maghreb prayer call on radio, television or mosques.


 

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