Ramadan 2025: Fasting hours and iftar times around the world

Understanding Ramadan: The Sacred Month of Fasting for Muslims

Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, holds profound religious significance for Muslims worldwide. It is a period of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and devotion to faith. This sacred month commemorates the revelation of the Quran, Islam’s holy book, to Prophet Muhammad over 1,400 years ago. For approximately 29 or 30 days, Muslims who observe Ramadan fast from dawn to dusk, abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and sexual relations during daylight hours. The act of fasting, known as "sawm," is one of Islam’s Five Pillars and is intended to cultivate "taqwa," a heightened awareness of God and a deeper connection to faith.

The duration of fasting varies depending on the observer’s geographic location. In regions closer to the Arctic Circle, such as Iceland or Greenland, fasting can last up to 16 hours or more during the summer solstice. Conversely, Muslims in the Southern Hemisphere, such as those in Chile or New Zealand, experience shorter fasting periods of around 13 hours. These variations highlight the dynamic nature of Ramadan, as the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar Hijri calendar, which is shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar by about 11 days. This means Ramadan begins 10 to 12 days earlier each year and can fall in different seasons, even appearing twice in the same Gregorian year, as will happen in 2030.

The Lunar Calendar and the Timing of Ramadan

The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, with each month beginning and ending with the sighting of the new moon. As a result, Ramadan starts approximately 10 to 12 days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar. This lunar-based system explains why Ramadan can occur in different seasons over time. For example, in the Northern Hemisphere, fasting hours will gradually decrease until 2031, when Ramadan will coincide with the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. After that, fasting hours will increase again as Ramadan moves toward the summer solstice. This alternation creates unique challenges and blessings for Muslims, as the physical and spiritual dimensions of fasting are influenced by the time of year.

In 2030, a rare phenomenon will occur: Ramadan will be observed twice in the same Gregorian year. This happens because the Islamic calendar’s lunar year is shorter than the solar year, causing the months to "slide" backward over time. The first Ramadan of 2030 will begin on January 5, and the second will start on December 26. Such occurrences underscore the interconnectedness of astronomy, culture, and faith in Islam.

Fasting Hours Across the Globe: A Look at Daylight Variations

The duration of fasting varies significantly around the world due to differences in daylight hours. In the Northern Hemisphere, especially in regions like Scandinavia and the Arctic, fasting can be particularly challenging during the summer months. Cities such as Nuuk, Greenland, and Reykjavik, Iceland, experience fasting periods of 16 hours or more during Ramadan. Other Northern Hemisphere cities, such as Helsinki, Finland, and Oslo, Norway, have fasting periods averaging 15 hours. Meanwhile, in the Southern Hemisphere, countries like Chile and New Zealand enjoy relatively shorter fasting periods of about 13 hours.

The variations in fasting hours are not just about duration but also timing. Muslims begin their fast with a pre-dawn meal called "suhoor" and break it at sunset with "iftar." These times are determined by the position of the sun, which varies significantly across time zones and latitudes. A table provided in the source material offers specific suhoor and iftar times for the first and last days of Ramadan 2025, allowing Muslims in different cities to plan their fasting schedules accurately. fasting hours increase again as Ramadan moves toward the summer solstice. This alternation creates unique challenges and blessings for Muslims, as the physical and spiritual dimensions of fasting are influenced by the time of year.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance of Ramadan Greetings

Ramadan is not just a time of fasting but also a season of joy, gratitude, and togetherness. Across the Muslim-majority world, people exchange warm greetings to mark the beginning of this sacred month. Common phrases include "Ramadan Mubarak" (Blessed Ramadan) and "Ramadan Kareem" (Generous Ramadan). These greetings reflect the spirit of the month, which is characterized by acts of charity, hospitality, and compassion. In diverse cultures, these phrases are often translated into local languages, adding a unique flavor to the celebrations. For example, in Arabic-speaking countries, "Ramadan Kareem" is widely used, while in other regions, people may use their native languages to express similar sentiments. These greetings serve as a reminder of the universal values of Ramadan—forgiveness, humility, and devotion to God.

In many Muslim-majority countries, Ramadan is a time of vibrant cultural expression. Families and friends gather for late-night suhoor meals, and mosques are filled with worshippers performing special prayers called "Tarawih." The month is also a time for breaking fast together in communal iftar events, which foster a sense of community and solidarity. These traditions highlight the dual nature of Ramadan: it is both a deeply personal spiritual journey and a collective celebration of faith.

Conclusion: Ramadan’s Universal Message of Reflection and Renewal

Ramadan is a month of profound spiritual and cultural significance for Muslims worldwide. Its unique blend of fasting, reflection, and community-building offers a universal message of self-discipline, empathy, and gratitude. Whether observed in the long summer days of the Arctic or the shorter winter days of the Southern Hemisphere, Ramadan challenges Muslims to grow closer to God and to one another. As the Islamic calendar continues its lunar cycle, Ramadan will remain a dynamic and ever-changing experience, offering new opportunities for renewal and spiritual growth each year. For Muslims and non-Muslims alike, Ramadan serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and faith in our lives.