### Local Article / Case Study: Fasting in Countries with Long Daylight Hours A useful example is **Muslims living in the Netherlands and Scandinavian countries (such as Norway and Sweden)**, where summer days can last **18–21 hours or more**. Research found that Muslims face significant challenges because fasting periods become much longer than in most Muslim-majority countries. Some scholars advise fasting from local dawn to sunset when day and night are distinguishable, while others discuss using the timings of the nearest moderate region in extreme situations. ([Al-Jami'ah][1]) #### Challenges faced * Extreme hunger and thirst due to fasting for up to 20+ hours. * Fatigue and difficulty concentrating at work or school. * Sleep deprivation because the time between iftar and suhoor is very short. * Increased risk of dehydration, especially during hot summers. ([Al-Jami'ah][1]) #### Islamic ruling * If the sun rises and sets within a normal 24-hour period, Muslims should generally fast from **local dawn until local sunset**, even if the day is very long. ([Islam-QA][2]) * If the sun does not set or rise normally (such as during the Midnight Sun near the Arctic Circle), scholars allow Muslims to estimate fasting times based on the nearest location with a normal day-night cycle. ([IslamQA][3]) #### Qur'an evidence > “...and eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night), then complete your fast till the nightfall.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187) ([Islam-QA][4]) #### Example scenario A Muslim student in **Tromsø, Norway** experiences a summer day lasting nearly 20 hours. They fast from dawn until sunset according to local timings. If the region enters a period where the sun does not set at all, they may follow the fasting schedule of the nearest city with a normal day-night cycle based on scholarly guidance. ([Islam-QA][5]) This is a good real-world case study if you need an example of the challenges Muslims face while fasting in countries with very long daylight hours. [1]: https://webdisk.aljamiah.or.id/ajis/article/view/51106?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Fasting in Countries Where The Day is Very Long or Very Short: A Study of Muslims in the Netherlands | Burhani | Al-Jami'ah: Journal of Islamic Studies" [2]: https://islamqa.info/en/answers/219806?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Is it permissible for one who is residing in a country where the days are very long to follow the timings of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for his fasting and prayers? - Islam Question & Answer" [3]: https://islamqa.org/hanafi/mathabah/133786/fasting-in-regions-where-the-days-are-lengthy/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Fasting In Regions Where the Days Are Lengthy - IslamQA" [4]: https://islamqa.info/en/answers/106527?utm_source=chatgpt.com "How should people fast whose day is very long and the sun never sets for them? - Islam Question & Answer" [5]: https://islamqa.info/en/answers/5842?utm_source=chatgpt.com "How to
### Local Article / Case Study: Fasting in Countries with Long Daylight Hours A useful example is **Muslims living in the Netherlands and Scandinavian countries (such as Norway and Sweden)**, where summer days can last **18–21 hours or more**. Research found that Muslims face significant challenges because fasting periods become much longer than in most Muslim-majority countries. Some scholars advise fasting from local dawn to sunset when day and night are distinguishable, while others discuss using the timings of the nearest moderate region in extreme situations. ([Al-Jami'ah][1]) #### Challenges faced * Extreme hunger and thirst due to fasting for up to 20+ hours. * Fatigue and difficulty concentrating at work or school. * Sleep deprivation because the time between iftar and suhoor is very short. * Increased risk of dehydration, especially during hot summers. ([Al-Jami'ah][1]) #### Islamic ruling * If the sun rises and sets within a normal 24-hour period, Muslims should generally fast from **local dawn until local sunset**, even if the day is very long. ([Islam-QA][2]) * If the sun does not set or rise normally (such as during the Midnight Sun near the Arctic Circle), scholars allow Muslims to estimate fasting times based on the nearest location with a normal day-night cycle. ([IslamQA][3]) #### Qur'an evidence > “...and eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night), then complete your fast till the nightfall.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187) ([Islam-QA][4]) #### Example scenario A Muslim student in **Tromsø, Norway** experiences a summer day lasting nearly 20 hours. They fast from dawn until sunset according to local timings. If the region enters a period where the sun does not set at all, they may follow the fasting schedule of the nearest city with a normal day-night cycle based on scholarly guidance. ([Islam-QA][5]) This is a good real-world case study if you need an example of the challenges Muslims face while fasting in countries with very long daylight hours. [1]: https://webdisk.aljamiah.or.id/ajis/article/view/51106?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Fasting in Countries Where The Day is Very Long or Very Short: A Study of Muslims in the Netherlands | Burhani | Al-Jami'ah: Journal of Islamic Studies" [2]: https://islamqa.info/en/answers/219806?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Is it permissible for one who is residing in a country where the days are very long to follow the timings of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for his fasting and prayers? - Islam Question & Answer" [3]: https://islamqa.org/hanafi/mathabah/133786/fasting-in-regions-where-the-days-are-lengthy/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Fasting In Regions Where the Days Are Lengthy - IslamQA" [4]: https://islamqa.info/en/answers/106527?utm_source=chatgpt.com "How should people fast whose day is very long and the sun never sets for them? - Islam Question & Answer" [5]: https://islamqa.info/en/answers/5842?utm_source=chatgpt.com "How to
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The Long-Daylight Challenge explores the impact of extended summer daylight, using a Tromsø student case study to illustrate issues of hunger, fatigue, and dehydration. It incorporates Islamic guidance by applying the local dawn-to-sunset principle and discussing exceptional timing as referenced in Qur'an 2:187. Teaching takeaways focus on comparing normal and extreme daylight conditions, promoting wellbeing, and providing practical support while emphasising a respectful scholarly approach.