The month of Ramadan does have the same period of time in various countries in any part of the world, namely for one full month, aka 30 days. However, in reality the duration of fasting for each Muslim in different countries is different in a day.
Reporting from NDTV, one of the countries known to have the longest fasting time in the world is Greenland. Muslims in Greenland have even fasted for approximately 20 hours in the month of Ramadan in 2021.
So, instead of complaining about breaking the fast that never comes, let's learn about Greenland and the Muslims who fast in one of the countries located in the northernmost part of the Earth.
Located in North Latitude
The difference in fasting time spent by Muslims in Greenland compared to Muslims in other countries is due to the location of the country of Greenland which is in the northernmost part of the Earth.
This makes Greenland and other countries in the Arctic Circle have a fairly long time span between sunrise and sunset. Meanwhile, we know that these two points are markers of the time the fast begins and ends.
Summer Solstice
Not only do they experience a longer day than night, Muslims who fast in Greenland also have the potential to fast for almost a day when the solstice phenomenon occurs.
Usually, the solstice phenomenon occurs in the summer. When this phenomenon occurs, the sun will not set for 24 hours. This is certainly something that is burdensome for Muslims in Greenland.
Polar Night in Winter
It's not only the solstice phenomenon that worries Muslims living in Greenland and other Arctic circles, but also the polar night phenomenon.
If the solstice takes place in summer, then the polar night occurs in winter. When the polar night occurs, the sun never rises in the sky so the atmosphere will be visible throughout the day and even throughout the month.
Again, the absence of the sun is quite a headache for Muslims living in Greenland and its surroundings.
Therefore, religious authorities have issued a fatwa that Muslims in Greenland may follow the fasting time of the nearest Islamic country that does not experience the phenomenon of the solstice or polar night or can follow the time set by the holy city of Mecca.