Ramadan Fasting Times Change This Year: Here’s Why
This year, American Muslims are facing a unique challenge during Ramadan due to the overlap with Daylight Saving Time. Ramadan is expected to begin on February 17 and continue through mid-March. The change when clocks spring forward on March 8 affects the timing of daily fasting rituals.
Understanding Ramadan and Daylight Saving Time
Ramadan is a month of fasting that begins with the sighting of the crescent moon. During this period, practicing Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset. The Islamic calendar is lunar and shifts approximately ten days earlier each year in relation to the Gregorian solar calendar.
When Daylight Saving Time takes effect on March 8, the timing of iftar—the meal to break the fast—will change. For instance, in New York City, iftar will shift from around 5:45 p.m. to 6:55 p.m. As sunset times gradually get longer, fasting periods can stretch from 12 to 15 hours, depending on various locations.
Challenges of the Time Change
This year, American Muslims, particularly in the continental U.S. and most of Canada, will feel the impact of the time change significantly. However, certain regions, like Arizona and Hawaii, do not observe Daylight Saving Time and will not experience this shift.
- Most of the U.S. and Canada will see the time change.
- Regions in Europe will not adjust until after Ramadan ends on March 29.
- Muslims in areas without Daylight Saving will remain unaffected.
The disruption in daily routines can lead to challenges in managing work, family, and spiritual commitments. For example, many Muslims must adjust their schedules for cooking, cleaning, and childcare while still observing their fasting practices.
Strategies for Ramadan
Muslims are taking practical steps to cope with the changes. For instance, some individuals are temporarily canceling gym memberships, while others are meal prepping to ensure they maintain their energy levels during the fasting period. This preparation is essential for those balancing work and family duties alongside their spiritual commitments.
Imam Farhan Siddiqi notes that Ramadan is more than just a month of fasting; it’s an opportunity for spiritual growth. He likens it to a retreat, urging individuals to treat this time as a catalyst for renewed energy and enhanced faith.
Support for the Community
For those who do not observe Ramadan, understanding these changes can foster support for Muslim friends, family, and colleagues. Recognizing the necessity for schedule adjustments can help accommodate the unique challenges faced by practicing Muslims.
As American Muslims navigate this year’s Ramadan, they are preparing not only for the physical demands of fasting but also for the additional complexities introduced by Daylight Saving Time. Through careful planning and mutual support, they aim to uphold their spiritual commitments and deepen their connection to their faith.
