Ramadan, a sacred month for Muslims marked by dawn-to-sunset fasting, is set to begin around mid-February 2026, with many countries observing the first fast on February 18 after the crescent moon was sighted.
What Fasting Involves
During Ramadan, observers abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and other physical needs from pre-sunrise (suhoor) until sunset (iftar) each day. The practice is one of Islam’s Five Pillars and is intended to foster spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and empathy for the less fortunate.
Why Dates and Durations Vary
Because the Islamic calendar follows lunar cycles, Ramadan shifts earlier by about 10–12 days in the solar calendar each year. This year’s timing means fasting falls in late winter for the Northern Hemisphere, which affects how long each fast lasts.
Fasting Hours Around the World
The length of daylight — and therefore fasting — varies significantly depending on location:
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Northern Hemisphere (Europe, North America): Generally 12–16 hours daily.
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Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE): Around 12–14 hours to start.
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South Asia (India, Pakistan): Approximately 12.5–14 hours.
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South-East Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia): Typically around 12–13 hours.
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Southern Hemisphere (Chile, South Africa, New Zealand): Often 14–15 hours in early Ramadan.
These ranges reflect the varying sunrise and sunset times tied to geography and season.
Typical Suhoor and Iftar Times
Exact suhoor and iftar timings differ by city and date, but examples from recent timetables illustrate the pattern:
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In Jakarta, suhoor may begin before 04:40 AM with iftar close to 06:16 PM — about 13 hours of fasting.
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In Karnataka, India, fasting spans around 13 hours, with suhoor around 05:30 AM and iftar near 06:38 PM.
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Johannesburg sees pre-dawn meals around 04:20 AM and sunset iftars closer to 06:50–07:00 PM, reflecting longer daylight closer to the equator.
These times are approximate and vary throughout Ramadan as daylight hours lengthen.
Cultural Greetings
Across Muslim communities, it’s common to exchange warm wishes such as “Ramadan Mubarak” or “Ramadan Kareem” — expressions of blessing and generosity for the holy month.
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