ISLAMABAD: Have you ever wondered how people observe the holy month of Ramadan in different countries? This sacred month is not only a time for prayer and fasting but also an opportunity to connect with culture and tradition.
While Muslims worldwide share common practices, each country has its own unique customs. Here are some of the most vibrant traditions, as highlighted by WE News English.
Colourful lanterns lit by Egyptians
As the holy month of Ramadan unfolds, the streets of Egypt come alive with vibrant “lanterns,” known as fanus, which symbolize joy and unity.
The origins of these enchanting lanterns are steeped in history and legend. One tale tells of the Fatimid Caliph Moaezz El-Din El-Allah’s first arrival in Cairo on the fifth day of Ramadan in the year 358 AH (969 AD).
As he made his entrance at dusk, a throng of eager citizens filled the streets, illuminating the night with candles nestled in wooden frames to shield the flames from the wind.
Over time, these simple wooden structures transformed into beautifully adorned lamps, casting a warm glow that continues to brighten the spirit of Ramadan.
Sehri announced by drummers in Turkey
In the vibrant streets of Turkey, more than 20,000 drummers traverse the neighbourhoods, echoing a tradition found in various Middle Eastern lands, stirring the spirits of Muslims for suhoor or sehri.
Clad in a fez and adorned in a vest along with other traditional Ottoman attire, these Ramadan “davulcusu” embody a rich cultural legacy.
In a bid to foster pride among these performers and ignite the passion of the younger generation, Turkish officials have recently introduced a membership card for drummers, ensuring that this cherished custom endures amid the whirlwind of modernization.
In Pakistan, this tradition once flourished widely but has since become confined to the countryside.
Children in UAE sing for sweets
This charming tradition can be likened to the Halloween festivities within Muslim culture. Known as “Haq Al Laila.” This delightful celebration unfolds on the 13th, 14th, and 15th nights of Ramadan.
It originated in Bahrain, where children donned vibrant attire and roamed the streets, serenading their neighbours with a local melody in hopes of gathering sweet treats.
Their cheerful chant, “Aatona Allah Yutikom, Bait Makkah Yudikum,” translates to “Give to us, and Allah will reward you and guide you to the House of Allah in Mecca.”
Today, this enchanting custom resonates throughout the Gulf region, highlighting the significance of strong community bonds and cherished family values.
Prayers at dawn performed by Morocco’s town criers
The Nafar, a lively herald who meanders through Moroccan neighbourhoods during the sacred month of Ramadan, is instantly recognizable in his traditional attire of a flowing gandora, soft slippers, and a distinctive cap.
With his trumpet in hand, he calls out to families, awakening them for their pre-dawn meal known as suhoor. Residents hold the Nafar in high regard, drawn to his genuine warmth and kindness.
This cherished tradition has its roots in the seventh century, tracing back to a devoted follower of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who would serenade the streets at dawn, lifting praises to the divine.
Cleansing ritual commences Ramadan in Indonesia
In the vibrant Indonesian tradition of Padusan, translating to “to bathe,” the Muslim community engages in a series of sacred rituals designed to purify themselves on the eve of Ramadan.
This cherished practice is believed to have been introduced by the Wali Songo, the pioneering preachers who first shared the teachings of Islam across Java. Their influence is thought to have woven the Padusan custom into the cultural fabric of the region.
Cannons blasts for Syrian Iftar
The tradition known as Midfa al Iftar is believed to have originated over two centuries ago in Egypt, during the reign of the Ottoman ruler Khosh Qadam.
One fateful evening, while experimenting with a cannon, Qadam accidentally fired it at dusk, causing a thunderous boom that reverberated through the streets of Cairo.
This unexpected sound led many to interpret it as a signal marking the end of their fasting. Over time, this charming practice spread beyond Egypt’s borders, embraced by neighbouring countries such as Syria and Lebanon.
