KARACHI: With just under two weeks remaining until the commencement of the sacred month of Ramadan, Muslims worldwide are preparing for its arrival. Throughout Ramadan, Muslims observe fasting from dawn to dusk, refraining from consuming food and beverages. During the breaking of fast, known as iftar, a sense of community and empathy for the less fortunate is often emphasized, as reported by Al Arabiya.
In 2024, Ramadan is expected to commence around March 11, varying slightly across different countries, resulting in fasting durations ranging from 12 to more than 18 hours. This prediction is based on astronomical calculations by Ibrahim Al Jarwan, who currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Emirates Astronomy Society.
With the onset of Ramadan on March 11, Eid-ul-Fitar will be celebrated on April 10 or 11.
Locations with the longest fasting periods (between 15 and 18 hours) include Nuuk, Greenland; Reykjavik, Iceland; Helsinki, Finland; Glasgow, Scotland; Ottawa, Canada; London, United Kingdom; Paris, France; Zurich, Switzerland; Rome, Italy; and Madrid, Spain.
Meanwhile, places with shorter fasting durations (between 12 to 14 hours) comprise Christchurch, New Zealand; Puerto Montt, Chile; Jakarta, Indonesia; Nairobi, Kenya; Karachi, Pakistan; and New Delhi, India.
Depending on the location, the range of fasting hours throughout the Middle East and the Gulf region, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, will probably be between 13 and 15 hours.
