Ramadan 2012 During Summer in USA

Muslims Will be Tested During the Hot Summer Days of Ramadan

Ramadan 1433 (2012)

For many Muslims in the US, this year's Ramadan falls during the hot summer days. During Ramadan, Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset, neither eating nor drinking.

In the US, the days are long during the summer. Temperatures (heat and humidity) can soar during summer as well. For instance, in Boston, MA on the east coast of the US, the imsak time (the time to start the fast) will range from 3.49 am on the first day of Ramadan to 4.31 am on the last day of Ramadan. And the iftar time (the time to end the fast) will range from 8.16 pm on the first day of Ramadan to 7.41 pm on the last day of Ramadan. 

The hours of fast are longer than in previous years. For examples, in Minnesota the daily Ramadan fast will be about 16 to 17 hours long. And religious and spiritual obligations do not end with simply abstaining from food and drink during the day. In the night, there are prayers too. So the hours of rest will be reduced during this Ramadan period.

Muslims fasting in the US will have to manage the heat, the long hours, and reduced sleep, all while maintaining their religious and spiritual obligations.