The length of a fast depends on geographical location and daylight duration.
Countries located in northern regions experience longer daylight hours, while southern and equatorial regions have shorter days.
Countries With the Longest Fasting Hours
This year, fasting hours in northern countries may reach 16 hours or more.
Some of these countries include:
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Northern Russia
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Greenland
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Iceland
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Norway
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Sweden
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Finland
Muslims living in these regions may face some of the longest fasting durations in the world.
Countries With Shorter Fasting Hours
In southern and equatorial countries, fasting hours are expected to range between 11 to 14 hours, making fasting relatively shorter compared to northern regions.
What If Daylight Is Extremely Long or Short?
In areas where day and night cycles are unusual, Islamic scholars allow Muslims to follow the fasting timetable of:
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Makkah
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Or the nearest moderate city
This helps ensure practicality and religious ease.
Expected Start Date of Ramadan
According to media reports, Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on February 19, though it could start on February 18, depending on moon sighting.
Slightly Easier Fasting Compared to Last Year
Experts say fasting hours this year will be slightly shorter than last year, which may make observing fasts a bit easier for worshippers.
Final Thoughts
While fasting hours vary across the globe, the spirit and purpose of Ramadan remain the same. Muslims everywhere will unite in worship, patience, and reflection.
