Why Does Iftar Time Change Every Day? A Scientific Explanation
During the month of Ramadan, many people notice that the time to break the fast is not truly the same from day to day. The iftar time typically shifts by a few minutes each day. This often raises questions as to why the iftar time can change and not stay constant like other daily schedules.
The change in iftar time is not due to calendar errors or changes in religious timing practices. The shift is directly linked to astronomical phenomena, notably the movement of the Earth and the position of the Sun, which change continually from day to day.
In determining iftar time, the main reference is sunset or Maghrib time. Because the Sun’s position as observed from Earth continually changes due to the rotation and revolution of the Earth, sunset time is never exactly the same from one day to the next. Usually this shift ranges from one to several minutes daily, but if accumulated over a month, the change can exceed ten minutes.
This phenomenon relates to Earth’s rotation and revolution. Our planet spins on its axis while also orbiting the Sun. When the Earth rotates, the line of the horizon that blocks the Sun moves slowly, so the time the Sun disappears below the western horizon also shifts day by day.
Beyond the Earth’s motion, geographic differences also affect the sunset time. Each region has differing latitude, longitude, and elevation. This causes the viewing angle to the Sun to vary. For instance, areas in highland elevations often see sunset slightly later than regions in valleys or behind mountains.
As a result, Ramadan prayer and imsakiyah schedules in some cities can differ by several minutes even within the same time zone. This difference is normal and indeed accounted for in the preparation of prayer times and imsakiyah for each area.
Another factor influencing the change in iftar time is the tilt of the Earth’s axis. The Earth’s axis is tilted about 23.5 degrees relative to its orbital plane. This tilt causes the Sun’s apparent position to move higher and lower across the year, which in turn affects the length of the day.
When the Sun appears higher in the sky, the length of the day increases, so the Sun sets later. Conversely, when it is lower, the day is shorter and sunset comes earlier. This is why, as Ramadan approaches its end in some regions, the iftar time often feels slightly earlier than in previous days.
Moreover, the Earth’s orbit is not perfectly circular. The orbit is elliptical, so the distance between the Earth and the Sun is not always the same throughout the year. This difference in distance makes the Earth’s speed in orbit vary slightly, which indirectly affects the time the Sun reaches the horizon.
The change in iftar time is also influenced by the calendar system used. The Hijri calendar used to determine Ramadan is based on the Moon’s orbit, differing from the Gregorian calendar that follows the Sun. Therefore, every year Ramadan advances by about 10 to 11 days in the Gregorian calendar.
Because of this drift, Ramadan can fall in different seasons from year to year. If Ramadan occurs during a period with longer daylight hours, the fasting time feels longer. Conversely, when Ramadan falls during a period with shorter days, the iftar comes earlier.
Understanding these astronomical factors, changes in iftar time are really normal. A shift of a few minutes each day is part of the dynamics of the universe, showing how human activity, including worship, is closely tied to the movement of celestial bodies within the solar system.