Question:
Muslims living in Scandinavian and northern regions face challenges in fasting due to extremely long or short days. Sometimes, the day lasts 22 hours, and the night is only 2 hours, while in other seasons, the situation is reversed. A questioner mentioned that when he arrived in this region during Ramadan, the locals informed him that in some areas, the day and night each last for six months. In such countries, how should Muslims determine the duration of fasting? How should the local Muslims or those living there for work and education manage their fasting?
Answer:
This issue is not limited to fasting (Sawm) but also applies to prayers (Salah). The ruling depends on whether the distinction between day and night exists in the region or not:
If a country has distinct day and night, even if the durations are long or short, people must follow the local times. This means fasting from true dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib), even if the day is exceptionally long or short.
If a country does not have a clear distinction between day and night, such as the North and South Poles, where the day lasts for six months and the night for six months, then the Muslims there must estimate their fasting and prayer timings.
Now the question arises: How should they estimate the timings? Scholars have provided different opinions:
Opinion 1: Follow the Timings of Makkah
Some scholars suggest that Muslims in such regions should follow the prayer and fasting timings of Makkah because Makkah is the mother of all cities (Umm al-Qura) and the central reference for Muslims worldwide.
Opinion 2: Follow the Average Day and Night Duration
Some scholars propose that Muslims should base their fasting and prayer schedule on a balanced 12-hour day and 12-hour night, as this is the moderate time frame found in many regions.
Opinion 3 (Strongest Opinion): Follow the Closest Country with Normal Day and Night
The most preferred opinion is that Muslims in such areas should follow the prayer and fasting schedule of the nearest country where day and night are clearly distinguishable. This is because a neighboring country has a more relevant and practical climate, geography, and living conditions compared to distant locations like Makkah.
Thus, Muslims in Scandinavian and northern countries should refer to the nearest country where day and night are separate and adopt their fasting and prayer timings accordingly.
— Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen (رحمه الله)
