Ramadan Tradition Around World

Ramadan begins on different dates everywhere. Moreover, the time of fasting also differs. Due to the Lunar Calendar and a country’s distance from the equator respectively. What’s more, the Ramadan traditions showcase a great diversity as well. For instance, Pakistani people are greatly fond of Naats. Thus, Hafiz Ahmed Raza Qadri is winning over the crowds on YouTube through his new Urdu Naat. Furthermore, it revolves around the Ramadan’s departure.

What’s more, globally everyone welcomed Ramadan with a great zeal. Equally, the ending of the Ramadan also saddened every soul. Yet, every country added its own cultural touch to this month. While some start their day with the Qur’an’s recitation, others may come up with a unique Naat Sharif playlist. This blog will shed the light on some of these traditions.

Ramadan Traditions around the Globe

1)    Waking for Suhoor

The most important meal is Suhoor. It provides the energy needed by a fasting person for the day. Thus, the Muslim countries emphasize on Suhoor. What’s more, it’s an age-old custom to wake Muslims in Suhoor. Unlike the normal routine, people have to get up an hour before Fajr to prepare meals. So, the different nations use variable practices for this. Generally, a lot countries make announcements to wake people.

While, in Pakistan, individuals roam in the streets loudly chanting the time. Furthermore, local Masjids also give timely reminders. Hence, sirens mark the end of Suhoor time. On the contrary, Indian Muslims have some men designated for this job too. The men go by the names of Sehri Walas or Zohridaars. They roam around shouting Allah and Prophet’s (S.A.W.) name as they knock on the doors. This tradition is very much alive in Old Delhi.

Similarly, other places also follow this tradition. In Turkey, a group of drummers roam around in their tradition vests to wake masses. Significantly, this tradition emerged in the times of the Ottoman Empire. And some areas are still keeping it alive. Moreover, the drummers loudly bang their drums with their sticks. This is done religiously throughout the holy month.

2)    Iftar’s Delights

The Iftar time usually takes place in the evening. It is the blessed and long-awaited meal. Thus, the believers, break their fast with dates and water, following the Prophet’s (P.B.U.H) tradition. For the dates give an instant energy. Apart from this, Muslims put up a variety of dishes. In Pakistan, people prefer Samosas and Pakoras among the fried foods. As for refreshing drinks, people often go for chilled Sherbets. The fruits and other dishes form a part of Iftar too in some homes.

The Ethiopian Iftar comes to life with “Injera”. Traditionally, it has been one of the dishes under the spotlight. Its flatbread palette contains, various sauces, vegetables, and beef chunks. Nonetheless, its presentation is a pure delight to the eyes. Different people include their choice of dips in it so it may vary a little. Apart from this, “Doro Wat”, a curry made with a spiced chicken. A green salad is also one of the side dishes at Iftar.

The Turkish Iftar is also quite wholesome meal. “Burek” (Pita) is one of the oldest Ramadan traditions. The bread is baked that contains meat filling.  Then, it is served with salad and yogurt. This dish’s recipe originated in Anatolia. However, its popularity exceeds the limits of Ottoman Empire, and Balkans tribe. Thus, it is historically a popular cuisine. Today, it is the famous food item on Turkish and North African menus.

3)    Decorations

Ramadan brings an abundance of blessings, lighting up the Muslim world. So, every nook and cranny are lit up completely. This perfectly fits the image of Indonesia. It is rather more festive with the spiritual spirit. Since, in Indonesia, the Ramadan collides with Chinese New Year celebrations. Thus, a series of Lantern Festivals fill the whole country with a festive atmosphere. There is a display of different colorful lanterns in various sizes as well.

While Turkey is usually less busy during Ramadan days. Many shops, and restaurants change their opening times from Iftar till late into the night. It has slightly different and unique Ramadan traditions. Here, you can see every Masjid glow brightly with quoted messages on its walls. Even this year, the main attraction of Istanbul – Sulaymaniyah Mosque had lights installed in its minarets with a Turkish inscription, “Ramadan is the month of Qur’an”.

Besides these, Malaysia welcomed Ramadan differently. It puts out the fairy lights, or paraffin-fueled lamps. These are used in Ramadan decorations throughout the region. Nonetheless, this year even Germany displayed a gesture of goodwill by welcoming Ramadan ahead of time. It was seen that one of the German cities, Frankfurt put up a large sign with “Happy Ramadan”. It was hanged well-lit among a sea of the luminous crescent moons and stars.

4)    Acts of goodness

Ramadan also highlights the spirit of Muslim brotherhood. Therefore, the people come together to have Suhoor and Iftar. In case of Germany, after 17 hours of waiting, people break their fast. Muslims gather for Iftar in various Masjids with their friends and family. What is more remarkable is that Lindau’s (town) Faith Mosque arranges numerous benches for 500 people within the tents for Iftar. This practice also includes a special meal by a Turkish chief for the rest of the Ramadan.

In addition, Pakistan too has a slightly similar practice. There are wide well-spread Iftars by volunteers for free on designated locations. And the authorities host a mass Iftar meal within the Masjids too. So, the locals usually send their home cooked meals there. Such prominent Ramadan traditions take place in cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar. It is the best way to win Allah’s (S.W.T.) favor.

Conclusion

In short, Ramadan traditions differ everywhere. People have unique ways to celebrate this month. First, some communities have preserved some of the oldest customs. For instance, countries like India, Pakistan, and Turkey have men whose job is to wake people for Suhoor. Second, there is an amazing line of dishes set up in Iftar. For Ethiopian people, Iftar is incomplete without “Injera”, and “Doro Wat”. On the other hand, “Burek” (Pita), served with yogurt and Salad is the most cherished Iftar delight in Turkey. Besides, Ramadan brings spiritual light into our lives too. Therefore, people tend to keep their houses well-lighted with different decorations. While the Malaysians conventionally use fairy lights in decorations. However, there is a Lantern Festival that takes place in Indonesia. On the contrary, the Sulaymaniyah Mosque’s minarets were set aglow in Turkey this year. Nonetheless, the spirit of brotherhood is also at its peak. Thus, Muslim countries have Iftar set-ups for less financially stable people. This is one of the Ramadan traditions carried out in Pakistan and others. Even Germany this year hosted a massive Iftar for 500 Muslims. All these unique aspects add a renewed glory to Ramadan.