Norway Muslims Can Follow Makkah Fasting Hours

Jeddah, 04 Ramadan 1437/09 June 2016 (MINA) – Muslims in the Artic region and northern parts of Norway can follow the fasting hours of Makkah or the nearest Muslim country.

The fasting time was described in a fatwa issued by Islamic scholars in light of very long gap between sunrise and sunset, Norwegian Ambassador Ralph Philly Hansen was quoted by Arab News as saying to local media.

“There is no indication of the end of the day and the start of iftar time in most Norwegian cities due to the midnight sun, a natural phenomenon between mid-June and mid-July,” he said.

The envoy said there are no official statistics about the number of Muslims who fast during the Holy Month of Ramadan due to the small percentage of Muslims in Norway. Most Muslims in Norway originate from Pakistan, Iraq, Somalia, Turkey, Iran, Morocco, Syria, North Africa and the Balkans, he said.

“There is growing recognition of Ramadan in Norway, as you can find many posters being distributed throughout the month in a number of shops,” he said, adding that Muslims living in the far northern parts of the country face the biggest challenge because of very long days.

Out of a population of 5.2 million people, 2.7 percent are Muslims, he said.

“Norway was known in the Arab region after the peace deal with the Palestinians and Israelis in our capital, Oslo, in 1993, which led to the establishment of the Palestinian Authority and the continuation of negotiations,” said Hansen.

“Norway is also known to receive masses of immigrants from Syria, Iraq and other countries with ongoing conflicts and wars.”

Hansen said that while Norway and Saudi Arabia differ in terms of geography, politics, culture, and climate, they share many views and compatibilities such as monarchies with long and distinguished histories.

He said other similarities are that both countries produce and export large quantities of oil and face similar challenges because of lower oil prices, and both countries are determined to work for peace and prosperity around the world. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)