EXPLAINER
The dawn-to-dusk fast lasts anywhere from 11.5 to 15.5 hours, depending on where in the world you are.
The Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins on February 18 or 19, lasting 29 or 30 days, during which adherents fast from dawn to dusk for 12 to 15 hours. Ramadan dates shift annually due to the lunar Hijri calendar, with fasting hours varying by location. This year, those in the Northern Hemisphere will experience shorter fasts, while those in southern countries will fast longer. Traditional greetings like “Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem” are commonly exchanged during this time.
