Ramadan 2024: Key dates & fasting hours

Islamabad: Ramadan is anticipated to begin on March 11 in Pakistan, aligning with the expected start date in the Arabic world on March 10. This sacred month holds great significance for Muslims globally, as they observe fasting from dawn until dusk.

During Ramadan, adherents refrain from consuming food, drink, engaging in immoral behavior, and expressing anger. Instead, they dedicate themselves to reading the Quran, performing prayers, and engaging in acts of charity. The duration of fasting can vary from 12 to 18 hours depending on geographical location.

Muslims believe Ramadan to be the month when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) over 1,400 years ago. The month typically spans 29 to 30 days, determined by the sighting of the moon, and is expected to conclude on April 9 or 10.

Throughout Ramadan, several key dates hold particular significance for worshippers. The first day of fasting marks the commencement of the holy month, requiring adjustments to daily routines due to altered working hours.

Laylat-al-Qadr, or the “Night of Power,” observed during one of the last 10 odd nights of Ramadan, commemorates a pivotal event in Islamic history: the first revelation received by Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him and his family) from Allah.

Muslims worldwide seek Laylat-al-Qadr on one of the last 10 days of Ramadan, often focusing on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th days. The last Friday of Ramadan holds special significance, with worshippers congregating in mosques for mass prayers. Additionally, Chandrat, the final day of Ramadan, precedes the celebration of Eid ul-Fitr, which may fall on April 10.

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Observations indicate varying fasting durations across different regions during Ramadan.

For instance, in Porto Montt, Chile, Muslims will fast for approximately 12 hours and 44 minutes, while in Nuuk, Greenland, fasting will extend to 17 hours and 26 minutes. In Oslo, Norway, fasting will last for around 15 hours and 15 minutes, occurring between 3:30 am and 6:45 pm. In Pakistan, fasting durations will range from 12 hours 58 minutes in Gilgit to 12 hours 53 minutes in Karachi.