Ramadan 2026: Fasting Hours, Suhoor and Iftar Times Around the World
- Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on February 18 or 19, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon
- Muslims worldwide will fast from dawn to dusk for 29 or 30 days, with hours ranging between 12 and 15 depending on location
- The holy month marks the period when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad more than 1,400 years ago
The Muslim holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin on February 18 or 19, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon.
The month, which lasts 29 or 30 days, is marked by fasting from dawn to dusk. Muslims observing the fast will refrain from eating and drinking for about 12 to 15 hours each day, depending on their location.
Source: Getty Images
Spiritual significance of Ramadan
According Al Jazeera, Muslims believe Ramadan is the month when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad more than 1,400 years ago.
The fast involves abstinence from food, drink, smoking and sexual relations during daylight hours, with the aim of achieving greater “taqwa”, or consciousness of God.
Why Ramadan dates change every year
Ramadan begins 10 to 12 days earlier each year because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar Hijri calendar, with months lasting 29 or 30 days. This makes the lunar year shorter than the solar year by 11 days.
As a result, Ramadan will be observed twice in the year 2030 – first beginning on January 5 and then starting again on December 26.
Fasting hours in the northern and southern hemispheres
For nearly 90 percent of the world’s population living in the Northern Hemisphere, fasting hours will be slightly shorter this year and will continue to decrease until 2031, when Ramadan coincides with the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year.
In contrast, Muslims living south of the equator will experience longer fasting hours compared to last year.
Fasting times around the world
Daylight hours vary across the globe, affecting fasting duration.
• In the Northern Hemisphere, where it is winter, fasts will last about 12 to 13 hours on the first day, gradually increasing throughout the month.
• In southern countries such as Chile, New Zealand and South Africa, fasts will last about 14 to 15 hours on the first day, before decreasing as the month progresses.
Ramadan continues to be a time of reflection, prayer and community for Muslims worldwide. The variation in fasting hours highlights the global diversity of the observance, while the shifting dates underscore the unique rhythm of the lunar calendar.
Source: Getty Images
Simple ways Muslims can prepare spiritually for fasting
Legit.ng earlier reported that Ramadan is at the doorstep. Across the world, Muslims are waiting for the crescent moon that will announce the start of the holy month, expected to be sighted either Tuesday evening or Wednesday evening.
But many Islamic scholars remind Muslims that Ramadan does not automatically transform a person. Instead, it rewards those who prepare their hearts before the month begins.
Fasting is not just about staying away from food and drink. Muslims are advised to renew their intention and remind themselves that the goal is to draw closer to Allah. A sincere intention turns daily sacrifice into worship.
Source: Legit.ng
