The Start of Ramadan: A Month of Spiritual Reflection
The holy month of Ramadan has commenced for Muslims worldwide, marking a period of fasting, reflection, and spiritual growth. For 29 or 30 days, Muslims who observe the fast, known as Sawm, will abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual relations from dawn to dusk. This practice, which can last anywhere from 12 to 16 hours depending on one’s location, is a fundamental aspect of Ramadan. The month holds deep significance as it is believed to be the time when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over 1,400 years ago. Through fasting, Muslims aim to cultivating greater self-awareness, discipline, and a deeper connection to their faith, known as taqwa or consciousness of God.
Why Ramadan’s Start Date Varies Every Year
Ramadan’s start date changes annually because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar Hijri calendar, which is based on the phases of the moon. Each month in this calendar is either 29 or 30 days long, and the lunar year is approximately 11 days shorter than the solar year. As a result, Ramadan begins 10 to 12 days earlier each year. This variation means that over time, Ramadan cycles through all seasons. Interestingly, this cycle will result in an unusual occurrence in the year 2030, when Ramadan will be observed twice—in January and December of the same year. This cyclical nature of the Hijri calendar ensures that Ramadan’s timing shifts gradually across the seasons.
Fasting Hours Around the World
The duration of fasting varies significantly depending on one’s location. Muslims in the Southern Hemisphere, such as those in Chile or New Zealand, will fast for around 13 hours. In contrast, those in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in countries like Iceland or Greenland, will fast for 16 hours or more during the longest days of summer. This phenomenon is tied to the availability of daylight, which varies by latitude. For the next few years, Muslims in the Northern Hemisphere will experience slightly shorter fasting hours, which will continue to decrease until 2031, when Ramadan will coincide with the winter solstice—the shortest day of the year. After 2031, fasting hours in the Northern Hemisphere will gradually increase again. For those south of the equator, the opposite pattern applies.
Fasting Times in Major Cities
The table below provides suhoor and iftar times for the first and last days of Ramadan 2025 for various cities worldwide. These times represent the moments when Muslims begin and end their fast each day. While the table offers specific data, actual fasting hours and times can vary slightly depending on the day and the method used to calculate them. Generally, cities closer to the poles experience longer fasting hours during their summer months, while those near the equator have relatively consistent daylight hours year-round.
Cities with the Longest Fasting Hours in 2025:
- Nuuk, Greenland: 16 hours
- Reykjavik, Iceland: 16 hours
- Helsinki, Finland: 15 hours
- Oslo, Norway: 15 hours
- Stockholm, Sweden: 15 hours
- Glasgow, Scotland: 15 hours
Cities with the Shortest Fasting Hours in 2025:
- Buenos Aires, Argentina: 13 hours
- Colombo, Sri Lanka: 13 hours
- Mogadishu, Somalia: 13 hours
- Christchurch, New Zealand: 13 hours
Ramadan Greetings: A Celebration of Diversity
As Ramadan begins, Muslims around the world exchange warm greetings to wish one another a blessed and fruitful month. The most common greetings include “Ramadan Mubarak” (Blessed Ramadan) and “Ramadan Kareem” (Generous Ramadan). These expressions are shared in various languages and cultures, reflecting the diversity of the global Muslim community. From Arabic-speaking countries to Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, the spirit of Ramadan is celebrated with unique traditions, foods, and cultural practices. The greetings are often exchanged in person, over the phone, or through digital messages, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity among Muslims worldwide.
The Significance of Ramadan: A Time for Reflection and Renewal
At its core, Ramadan is a month of profound spiritual reflection and personal growth. Beyond fasting, it is a time for Muslims to reconnect with their faith, engage in acts of charity, and strengthen their relationships with family and community. Many Muslims also use this period to recite the Quran, attend nightly prayers (Taraweeh), and seek forgiveness for past sins. The fasting itself is seen as a means of fostering empathy for those in need, promoting self-control, and drawing closer to God. As the month progresses, Muslims across the globe come together in a shared experience of sacrifice, gratitude, and renewal, embodying the values that define this sacred period in the Islamic calendar.
