The upcoming Ramadan presents unique challenges for millions of American Muslims, particularly due to the overlap with Daylight Saving Time (DST). Ramadan, which began around February 17 and will continue through mid-March this year, involves fasting from dawn until sunset. However, on March 8, when clocks spring forward, the timing of daily rituals will shift dramatically, creating new hurdles for those observing the fast.
For individuals like Lubna Turaani, a 26-year-old nurse and student from Virginia, this means meticulous planning. Turaani has adjusted her routine by temporarily canceling her gym membership and outlining specific meals to break her fast. With the daily rhythm of fasting disrupted, families, workers, and students face an unusual scenario as they adapt their schedules.
Understanding the Islamic calendar is essential in this context. The Islamic calendar is lunar, meaning We see based on the moon’s cycles, unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is solar. Imam Farhan Siddiqi, a resident imam at Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Virginia, explains that the lunar calendar is about ten days shorter than the solar calendar, causing Ramadan to shift approximately ten days earlier each year. This year, Ramadan falls in late winter and early spring, typically a moderate fasting period, but the addition of Daylight Saving Time complicates matters.
Significant Timing Changes
As Ramadan progresses, sunset times gradually shift. For example, a Muslim in New York City might break their fast around 5:45 p.m. On March 7. However, once Daylight Saving Time takes effect, that same sunset will occur at 6:55 p.m. On the clock. The fast does not necessarily become longer, but all associated activities—dinner, the pre-dawn meal (suhoor), evening prayers, and family time—will occur an hour later, which can significantly impact daily routines.
Impacts Across Regions
This disruption in fasting schedules affects Muslims across most of the United States and Canada, particularly in areas observing DST. Key regions impacted include:
- The continental U.S. (excluding Arizona and Hawaii, which do not observe DST)
- Most of Canada (excluding parts of Saskatchewan, Yukon, and certain areas of British Columbia and Quebec)
Areas in Europe observing summer time will not experience this shift during Ramadan, as their clocks change on March 29, after the month concludes. Regions without DST, including Arizona, Hawaii, and most parts of the Middle East and Africa, will not experience this mid-Ramadan time change.
Diverse Reactions and Adaptations
The effects of this schedule change vary among individuals. Imam Abdul-Malik Merchant, the program director at Hearts Together Foundation, a nonprofit promoting scholarship and research, noted that many won’t feel a significant impact by the time the change occurs, as they will have adjusted to fasting over the month. He suggests, “For the vast majority of people, I don’t think it’s going to [mean] anything,” as their bodies adapt to the fasting routine.
Aseel Hasan, a 29-year-old mother from Cincinnati who is six months pregnant, is approaching the time change with a blend of pragmatism and determination. Despite being exempt from fasting due to her condition, she aims to participate, expressing that she does not feel spiritually connected unless she is fasting. Hasan acknowledges the demand to stay hydrated and maintain energy levels to care for her toddler while adhering to her schedule.
For Turaani, balancing a part-time work schedule with full-time schooling means careful planning of cooking, cleaning, and meal preparation. She notes the necessity of adapting her body to the extra hour she must wait for iftar after her shifts end at 7 p.m., stating, “I did account for the time change, and I decided for this Ramadan that I would take a date and soup with me to work.” This minor iftar will be complemented by a larger meal at home around 8 p.m.
Supporting Observers During Ramadan
Merchant emphasizes the importance of understanding this time change for those with Muslim friends, family, or coworkers. He likens the experience to training for a marathon, where unexpected “hills” test one’s stamina and resolve. Awareness of this shift can foster support and empathy during the second half of Ramadan. For instance, a colleague who appeared energetic in early March may display signs of fatigue after the time change, not due to longer fasts, but because of altered sleep and evening routines.
Turaani encourages non-Muslims to experience Ramadan as much as possible, suggesting that attempting to fast can offer valuable insight into the experience. “It’s nice to experience every time I break my fast because it’s a good reminder about anything in life,” she shares. This sentiment reflects the broader understanding that Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food but about growth, discipline, and a connection to something larger.
As Ramadan progresses, American Muslims are preparing for these unique circumstances with a blend of practical planning and spiritual resolve. They navigate the challenges of work, childcare, and homemaking while maintaining their spiritual commitments. Imam Siddiqi views Ramadan as a “catalyst that gives us that spiritual energy to continue the rest of the year,” remarking on its role as a devotional retreat and an opportunity to renew one’s relationship with God.
