Ramadan traditions from around the world
By Dr Muhammad Solaiman
Fasting the month of Ramadan is observed every year by over a billion and a half Muslims around the world. At the end of Ramadan, there is a festival called Eidul Fitr.
Fasting for a Muslim is more than abstaining from food and drink. Ramadan is a physiological, psychological as well as spiritual experience. Fasting sharpens the awareness of God (Allah) and strengthens self-control. Fasting has significant beneficial effects on health.
In addition, fasting is reflected in the behaviour and morals of Muslims. During Ramadan, Muslims should abstain from any falsehood in speech and action and abstain from indecent speech and arguments. In addition, the Muslim tries to demonstrate his compassion, generosity and mercy to others. These reflections of fasting collectively purify the body and soul of the Muslim and harmonise his inner and outer spheres.
On the other hand, Ramadan has its own special religious rituals practices. In addition, it has some unique social customs and traditions acquired and passed on through generations as we will review in this article.
Moon Sighting
The sighting of the new moon of Ramadan is usually practised by religious authorities in each country across the globe. They determine the beginning and the end of the month of fasting. In the past, people used to observe the new moon with naked eyes. Today telescopes are used to know when the moon could be visualised.
The cannon of Ramadan
In Turkey, Bosnia, Egypt and many other countries traditionally cannons were fired to mark the breaking of the fast on each day of Ramadan. This was an efficient method before the availability of watches, alarms and radios. Although today there is no need for cannon’s notification, cannons are still fired for traditional purposes.
The drummer (Mesaharati)
Muslims take a meal called Sahur before the dawn prayer. The Mesaharati is a man who wanders neighbourhoods with a drum to wake up people an hour or two before dawn. In Egypt the Mesaharati used to chant: “Wake up sleepy, proclaim the Oneness of the Everlasting.” The drummers still roam the streets of Turkey and Egypt during the holy month.
Fanoos of Ramadan
In Egypt, children run around their neighbourhoods swinging a small fanoos (lantern) while singing “Wahawi Ya Wahawi,” which is a folkloric song that celebrates the start of Ramadan.
The Fanoos is also used as a decorative item and a toy for children to enjoy the Holy month of Ramadan.
In other countries like Malaysia, children carry torches to celebrate the beginning of Ramadan.
Decoration of mosques and streets
At the beginning of the Holy month of Ramadan, mosques and streets in all Muslim countries are decorated with colourful decorations and lights. Muslim families strive to decorate their houses and streets.
Staying awake till Fajr (Dawn) prayer
After Iftar and Tarawih prayer, Muslims across the Middle East often stay up all night celebrating, eating and socialising and the shops are usually opened.
Breaking the fast
Muslims traditionally break their fast with a few dates as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him, PBUH) did. They may also take milk or sour milk.
Some families prepare drinks of Qamar El-Din (apricot juice), Sobya (Sweet drink made from barley, milk, and coconut), Tamarind, Karkade (hibiscus flower extract with sugar) and Arabic coffee.
Iftar food in Ramadan
The cuisine of Ramadan is very rich and it differs from one country to another. Usually, it includes samosa which is a fried layer of dough stuffed with mincemeat or vegetables. Vegetable salad is essential in Ramadan Iftar and it helps to prevent constipation due to dehydration in hot weather. A variety of oriental sweets are served in Ramadan, the most famous of which is Kunafa.
Collective Iftars
Plenty of food goes around in Ramadan. It does not matter if you are poor or rich; all share the experience of generosity that brings people together. Therefore, Ramadan strengthens friendship and brotherhood ties between the members of the Muslims community.
During Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to invite each other for Iftar because as mentioned by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), they get their reward of fasting in addition to the reward of the invited Muslims.
Many rich people donate money for collective free Iftars. Therefore, the poor have the opportunity of enjoying the pleasure of eating types of food they could not afford during the year.
On the other hand, in street collective Iftars in the Western countries, non-Muslims are invited to share the Iftar with Muslims. This strengthens the ties between Muslims and non-Muslims and fights Islamophobia propagated by some media in the West.
Family time is a Ramadan blessing
All the year round the members of the family may not regularly have the chance to meet together on meals. In Ramadan people are keen to have their Iftar with the family. Before sunset in Muslim countries, the streets are filled with people hurrying home to have their Iftar with their families. Therefore, one of the blessings of Ramadan is to bring the members of Muslim family together and to strengthen family ties.
Praying at the mosque in congregation
Muslims strive to be in the mosque as often as they can, especially during the last ten days of Ramadan. They are also keen to take their kids with them.
At schools, there is usually a break to allow the kids to perform their regular noon prayer (Zuhr prayer).
Salatul Tarawih (Night Prayer)
The observation of the five regular prayers is an essential part of the month of fasting. In addition, Ramadan has a special prayer known as “Tarawih”. This prayer is a congregational prayer offered at the mosque every day after Aisha prayer (the night prayer).
Supplication
Muslims in Ramadan are encouraged to supplicate asking Allah whatever they wish. As mentioned by the Prophet Muhammad, there is a granted supplication at the time of the breaking of the fast.
On the other hand, during the performance of the Tarawih pray in Ramadan, listening to the Qur’an and heart-touching supplications soften the hearts of Muslims and therefore, Muslims enjoy a special spirituality and tranquillity that let tears gush from their eyes.
Recitation of the Qur’an
The month of fasting represents a period of spiritual purification. Reading and reciting the Glorious Quran forms an integral part of the traditional rituals observed during Ramadan. The Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during the month of Ramadan.
Muslims each night during the month of Ramadan read one part or more of the thirty parts of the Qur’an. So by the end of the month, they read all the Holy Book at least once.
The spirit of giving
Islam promotes the sharing of wealth with the poor. One of the pillars of Islam is Zakat which is obligatory alms. Charity is also encouraged as an extension of kindness to the poor. Generally, charity is highly recommended and treasured during the month of Ramadan.
On the other hand, fasting helps the rich to experience the pangs of hunger and therefore, he realises his obligations to the poor and gives them more attention.
Before, the end of Ramadan all Muslims should donate some food or money to those who are poorer (Zakatul Fitr). The amount of food or money given depends on the wealth the person possesses. Zakatul Fitr has great significance because:
1) Zakatul Fitr ensures that everybody, whether poor or rich, will be happy in Eidul Fitr.
2) The rich gains the habit of helping people from Ramadan.
2) Zakatul Fitr is also obligatory on the poor. The poor experiences the joy of his ability to give those who are poorer than him in Ramadan.
Eidul Fitr prayer
Eidul Fitr starts with Eid prayer which takes place in parks, community centres or at mosques. Muslims dresses up in the best new clothes, often bought for the occasion.
Celebration of Eidul Fitr
Muslims celebrate Eidul Fitr by eating sweets and offering gifts to their kids and loved ones. Large meals usually collect different friends and families. Therefore, Eidul Fitr is a joyful time in which Muslims demonstrate their brotherhood, generosity and kindness to each other.
