Muslims in UAE to fast for over 15 hours this Ramadan

Dubai : Muslims across the UAE are expected to fast 15 hours and 10 minutes this holy month of Ramadan which is expected to begin on June 6.

According to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, a researcher in astronomy and metrology, the average temperature forecast during the holy month will be around 42 to 43°C in most parts of the country.

"The new moon of Ramadan is to appear on June 5 at around 6.59am UAE time, but it will disappear at around 7.25pm or 17 minutes after sunset of the same day."

Despite the low height of the new moon of Ramadan, it can be seen with advanced devices, he pointed out. "The fasting time will reach a maximum of 15 hours and 10 minutes."

Al Jarwan said Muslims in the UAE have been fasting the longest Ramadans since 2012, and that will continue until 2018. "Fasting time has increased 10 minutes every Ramadan since 2012, and lengthy fasting happens every 33 years." There are significant differences in the fasting and Imsak time among the seven emirates, he pointed out. "The residents of the eastern coast of the country will be the first to break and start their fasting while those staying at the western region and the emirate of Abu Dhabi will be the last to break and start their fasting."

Ashraf Nour Al Haq, Head of calendar section at the department of Islamic affairs and charitable activities in Dubai, said Muslims will be fasting some 15 hours throughout the holy month of Ramadan.

"The temperatures will be at about 42°C during the first 10 days of Ramadan, and will rise to about 43°C in the second 10 days of the fast. The temperature is likely to jump to 44°C in the last ten days."

Prominent Islamic researcher Dr Sheikh Mohammed Ashmawy told Khaleej Times that the lunar months of Rajab and Shaaban are meant to help Muslims get ready for the holy month of Ramadan.

"As such, it does not matter when exactly Ramadan starts as Muslims are already geared up with optional fasting two months earlier, and even all the year round as the companions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to do."

Ramadan is kind of training for all Muslims to abstain not only from evil deeds but rather important from over eating, drinking, talking, and wasting their money and time, he added.