Today, on Monday March 18, Muslims in Dubai begin the fast at 5.08am and will end the fast at 6.32pm. That’s exactly 13 hours and 24 minutes of fasting.
Throughout Ramadan, Muslims in Dubai will be fasting for just over 13 hours, compared to last year’s 14 hours a day.
Fasting times will change by a few minutes every day depending on the sunrise and sunset timings. This is why every day you’ll need to check what time is iftar in Dubai.
Let us explain…
Ramadan commenced on Monday March 11. The length of the fasting hours during Ramadan is changed by the position of the sun and the duration of daylight. And as days get longer, so will fasting times.
When Ramadan comes to an end, Muslims will fast on the predicted final day of Ramadan for 13 hours and 59 minutes.
To work it all out, we used the Dubai prayer timings on the Government of the UAE’s General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments website. We calculate the intervals between Fajr (the prayer preceding sunrise) and Maghrib (the prayer marking sunset).
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What time is iftar in Dubai and why does it keep changing?
The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, which is approximately 29 to 30 days long. This means that Ramadan shifts by about 11 days every year and, as a result, the fasting hours during Ramadan can be longer or shorter depending on the time of year and the location.
This year, Ramadan will fall during winter for the first time in 24 years, so temperatures are cooler and days are shorter. That’s good news all around.
Ending the fast
Iftar is the meal to end the fast after sunset. Typically, people will enjoy dates, dried apricots and Ramadan juices, before heading to sunset prayer.
After that, large meals are the norm, usually with family and friends. Right before starting their fast, Muslims have a meal called suhoor.
Suhoor is enjoyed just before sunrise and before the day of fasting starts. Many hotels host smaller buffets, traditional activities and more to celebrate until the early morning hours.
Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?
Muslims fast as a means of physical and spiritual purification during the Holy Month.
Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The purpose is to increase self-discipline, humility, and empathy for less fortunate people. It is a way for Muslims to understand the struggle of hunger and thirst, and to learn self-control.
Overall, fasting during Ramadan is an important part of the Muslim faith, serving as a time for physical, mental, and spiritual renewal. It is a time for Muslims to focus on their relationship with Allah, reflect on their actions, and strive towards self-improvement.
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