Ramazan 2026 is likely to have shorter fasting hours

WEB DESK: Ramazan in 2026 is expected to begin around February 19, according to astronomical estimates, though the official start will be confirmed after the sighting of the moon on the 29th of Shaban in Saudi Arabia.

Fasting durations during Ramazan 2026 are expected to be relatively shorter, as the holy month will fall toward the end of winter and the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere. In Pakistan, daily fasting hours are projected to range between 13 and 13.5 hours, gradually increasing as the month progresses.

Across Muslim countries, fasting hours will vary based on geographical location. In many regions, including parts of the Middle East and North Africa, fasting is expected to begin at around 12 hours in the early days of Ramazan and extend to approximately 13 hours by the end of the month. Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar are also expected to observe fasts lasting between 12 and 13 hours.

Countries located closer to the equator are likely to experience more consistent daylight hours throughout Ramazan, while regions farther north or south will see greater variation. In New York, fasting is expected to begin at around 12.5 hours, whereas European countries, due to their higher latitudes, will experience longer fasting periods compared to the Middle East.

Overall, the timing of Ramazan 2026 is expected to bring comparatively shorter fasting days for many parts of the world, particularly in the early weeks of the holy month.