Eid Al-Fitr Near: Countries Experience Varying Fasting Hours During Ramadan 2026
Ramadan’s arrival marks a significant religious observance, but its practical impact varies across countries. With the holy month just weeks away, Muslims living in northern regions such as northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland find themselves observing some of the longest fasts this year, with fasting hours potentially stretching beyond 16 hours and reaching close to 20 hours due to extended daylight.
In contrast, countries closer to the equator, including Brazil, South Africa, Chile, New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Kenya, will experience significantly shorter fasting durations, with hours ranging from approximately 11 to 14. Islamic scholars have provided guidance, advising those in regions where daylight is unusually long or short to follow a modified schedule based on Makkah or a nearby moderate city.
Pakistan, which last year saw fasting hours extend into the late evening and early morning, may experience slightly shorter fasts this year. This adjustment could make the fasting period more manageable for worshippers while still adhering to traditional Islamic guidelines.
The Eid Al-Fitr celebration is expected to begin on February 19, although it could commence a day earlier if lunar sightings confirm it at that time. For those eagerly awaiting the festival of breaking fasts, these variations in fasting hours offer a unique perspective on religious observance across different cultures and climates.
Ramadan 2026: Variations in Fasting Hours Across the Globe
As Muslims prepare for Ramadan 2026, a wide array of fasting hours is expected to impact millions around the world. Countries closer to the equator, such as Brazil, South Africa, Chile, New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Kenya, will observe significantly shorter fasts compared to last year. Fasting in these regions could range from 11 to 14 hours.
In contrast, northern countries like Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland can anticipate a more challenging Ramadan due to extended daylight hours. In certain areas of these countries, fasting hours might exceed 20 hours during the day, making the fast particularly demanding for worshippers.
Islamic scholars have provided guidance that believers in regions with unusual daylight hours are permitted to observe fasting schedules based on Makkah or nearby moderate cities. This flexibility helps maintain balance and ease adherence to traditional practices despite varying climatic conditions.
Pakistan’s Ramadan 2026 is set to offer a slightly less challenging fast, potentially reducing fasting periods compared to previous years. The nation will likely begin its Ramadan celebrations on February 19th, with the possibility of a one-day earlier start depending on lunar sighting outcomes.
These variations in fasting hours highlight how religious observance adapts to diverse geographical and climatic conditions worldwide. For millions of Muslims preparing for this month-long fast, these changes offer a unique perspective on how tradition intertwines with practicality across different cultures.
Ramadan 2026: A Month in Distinctive Fasting Hours
The arrival of Ramadan 2026 marks an extraordinary period of devotion and sacrifice for nearly one billion Muslims worldwide. However, the challenges posed by fasting hours vary dramatically depending on a country’s geographical location.
In countries like northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland, Muslims can expect to observe some of the longest fasting periods this year, often exceeding 16 hours with potential records reaching close to 20 hours. This extended period requires substantial endurance as daylight hours are notably longer in these regions due to their northern latitude.
On the other hand, countries closer to the equator and situated in the southern hemisphere — including Brazil, South Africa, Chile, New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Kenya — will experience significantly shorter fasting durations of around 11 to 14 hours. This reduction makes Ramadan more manageable for worshippers but still requires adherence to traditional Islamic practices.
Islamic scholars have acknowledged this variation and provided a flexible solution: believers in areas with unusual daylight conditions are permitted to follow the fasting schedule observed by Muslims in Makkah or nearby moderate cities, thus maintaining harmony between local customs and global religious obligations.
Pakistan’s Ramadan 2026 will witness slightly reduced fasting hours, making it more bearable for worshippers compared to last year. The nation is expected to begin its Ramadan observance on February 19th, with a possibility of an earlier start if lunar sighting confirms the date one day in advance.
These differing fasting durations underscore how religious practices adapt to varied geographical and climatic factors worldwide. As millions prepare for this month-long fast, these disparities offer insights into how traditions are navigated against unique challenges posed by diverse environments.