This year, Ramadan 2018 simultaneously began in most parts of the world, including Pakistan, with the first fast on May 17.
Muslims all over the world are all prepared for a month of fasting from dawn to sunset. The holy month of Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam, allows believers to purify themselves through fasting, prayers and spiritual activities.
Fasting durations in the world vary from region to region as it depends on the number of hours between sunrise and sunset, which depends on which season Ramadan falls on. During summer months, those observing Ramadan have to fast longer hours due to longer days, which vary in length depending on the country they live in.
In Pakistan this year, fasting hours will last just a little over 15 hours. Whereas, the longest fast duration will be 21 hours 59 minutes in Greenland on 15th June. On the contrary, people in Chile will fast for the shortest period of time i.e. 10 and half hours on the last day of Ramadan.
Europe
Denmark will have approximately 19 hours of fasting this year, down from 21 hours in 2017. As for Sweden, Iceland and Norway, the Nordic countries will still have 20 hours of fasting.
Muslims in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany will fast for 18 hours, while those observing Ramadan in Spain will fast for 17 hours.
Middle East and North Africa
The Middle East and North Africa region will experience slight shorter fasting hours than those in Europe. Fasting will occur for 15 hours in Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and for 16 hours in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. Meanwhile in Sudan, Muslims will fast for 13 hours.
Asia and Australia
In Asia, most Muslims will fast for 14-16 hours. Pakistanis will fast for nearly 14 hours, while India will fast for 15. Australia, which is approaching its winter, will fast for 12 hours.
North/South America
Muslims in the United States and Canada will fast for 16 to 19 hours, depending on their exact location. Muslims in Brazil and Argentina will fast for 12 hours.