Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is one of the most sacred times for Muslims around the world. It is a month dedicated to fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. But if you’re wondering, “How long do Muslims fast during Ramadan?”, the answer is both simple and fascinating because it depends on geography, time of year, and religious traditions.
In this article, we’ll explore how long Ramadan fasting lasts each day, why the duration varies around the world, and what Muslims do to prepare for the long hours of abstaining from food and drink.
🕐 How Long Is Ramadan Fasting Each Day?
During Ramadan, Muslims fast every day from dawn (fajr) to sunset (maghrib). That means no eating, drinking, smoking, or marital relations during daylight hours.
The daily fasting duration depends entirely on where you live because the length of daylight changes with geography and seasons.
🌍 Average Fasting Hours by Region:
Equatorial countries (e.g., Indonesia, Malaysia, Kenya):
About 13–14 hours of fasting each day, with little variation year-round.
Mid-latitude countries (e.g., USA, Europe):
Around 14–17 hours in summer Ramadan, and 11–13 hours in winter Ramadan.
High latitude countries (e.g., Norway, Sweden, Canada):
Can be 18–20+ hours in summer due to long daylight. In extreme cases where the sun barely sets or rises, Muslims may follow Mecca’s fasting hours or another nearby moderate location.
📌 Example of Ramadan Fasting Hours (2025):
City Average Fasting Hours
Jakarta, Indonesia 13 hours
London, UK 16 hours
Cairo, Egypt 14.5 hours
Oslo, Norway 19 hours
Sydney, Australia 11.5 hours
📅 How Many Days Do Muslims Fast?
Ramadan lasts for either 29 or 30 days because it follows the Islamic lunar calendar. Each month begins with the sighting of the crescent moon. Muslims fast every single day of Ramadan from dawn to sunset, unless they are exempt due to:
✅ Illness or medical conditions
✅ Pregnancy or breastfeeding
✅ Menstruation
✅ Travel
✅ Elderly age or extreme hardship
Those who cannot fast are encouraged to make up missed days later or offer charity (fidyah) to help those in need.
🌙 Why Do Fasting Hours Change Each Year?
The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, making it about 10–11 days shorter than the Gregorian solar calendar. As a result, Ramadan shifts earlier each year, moving through all seasons over a 33-year cycle.
This shift explains why fasting hours can feel very different from one year to another:
🌞 When Ramadan falls in summer, days are longer, and fasting hours are extended in many countries.
❄️ When Ramadan falls in winter, days are shorter, making fasting easier in some regions.
For example:
In London, fasting lasted about 18 hours in summer 2015 but will drop to about 10 hours by winter Ramadan in the 2030s.
🙏 How Do Muslims Manage Long Fasting Hours?
Fasting from sunrise to sunset isn’t easy—especially in regions with 16+ hour days. Here are common strategies Muslims use to stay energized and spiritually connected:
🍲 1. Start the Day Right with Suhoor
Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, is crucial.
Balanced foods like oats, eggs, whole grains, and plenty of water help sustain energy.
Avoid salty and sugary foods to prevent dehydration.
💧 2. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water during non-fasting hours.
Herbal teas and hydrating fruits like watermelon are also popular.
💤 3. Get Adequate Rest
Adjust sleeping patterns to account for nighttime prayers (Taraweeh) and early suhoor.
Short daytime naps help with energy levels.
📖 4. Focus on Spiritual Nourishment
Reading Quran, making dua (prayers), and doing acts of charity help shift focus from physical hunger to spiritual growth.
📌 Fasting in Extreme Locations: What Do Scholars Say?
What about Muslims living in places like northern Scandinavia, where the sun doesn’t set for weeks? Islamic scholars allow them to follow the fasting times of:
✔ Mecca (Saudi Arabia)
✔ The nearest country with a moderate day-night cycle
This flexibility ensures the fast remains spiritually meaningful without being physically impossible.
💡 Quick FAQ About Ramadan Fasting Hours
📌 Q1: How long is Ramadan fasting in the USA?
It ranges from 11–17 hours, depending on the state and season.
📌 Q2: Can children fast?
Children are not obligated to fast until puberty, but many practice for shorter hours to get used to it.
📌 Q3: What if someone misses a day of fasting?
They can make it up after Ramadan or, if unable due to chronic illness, feed a needy person for each missed day.
So, how long do Muslims fast during Ramadan? The answer is simple: from dawn to sunset—anywhere from 11 to 20+ hours daily, depending on where you are in the world. Ramadan lasts 29–30 days, with fasting offering not just physical discipline but spiritual renewal.
No matter the length of the fast, Muslims embrace Ramadan as a time of gratitude, patience, and reflection.
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