4 Interesting Ramadan Traditions around the World
Ramadan is the best time period of Muslim’s life. This holy month is not just about abstaining from food, water or smoking but it is more about cleansing of one’s body, mind and soul. Ramadan is about getting rid of bad habits and taking a fresh start. Traditions of this holy month are observed in different ways in different countries.
Ramadan, ninth month of Muslim calendar is an obligation towards Muslim communities. We Muslims are obligated to follow all rules of Ramadan which include fasting from sunrise to sunset without eating anything in between while also abstaining from committing any sinful act. Although Muslims observe fasts in the same manner all over the world but its customs vary from place to place. Let’s have a look at them:
Ramadan Traditions in Pakistan
People cannot wait to get their hands on delicious chaat, pakoras and samosas at the end of a long day. Nothing can beat the yummy snacks and other dishes at Iftaar time. Although we are aware of its harmful impact on health but still majority of us get their wish fulfilled by eating these delightful snacks. Apart from that, inviting or going on iftaarparties are also one of the Ramadan customs in Pakistan.
Ramadan Traditions in Egypt
Lanternsare a traditional hit in Egypt. They are known as Fanoos of Ramadan.Celebrations of this holy month are rejoiced every year by decorating roads and streets with these lanterns.
Ramadan Traditions in Turkey
In the middle of the night, right an hour before the sunrise drummers wander through streets in Ottoman attire and beat the drums with enthusiasm in order to wake the Muslims for Sehri. Traditions of these drummers started in Ottoman Empire. Howbeit, membership card and official costumesfor these drummers have been introduced only few years ago. Although this tradition is also followed in Pakistan but it is not observed with such enthusiasm as it was used to.
Ramadan Traditions in Makkah
In Mecca, an activity of shooting a cannon ball is held each year in Ramadan. This cannon ball is shot at Suhoor time to alert people to observe fast and is also held at Iftaar time to give green signal to break the fast. Origin of this activity dates back to Hijiri year 859 when the Sultan of Egypt shot cannon which he had received in order to test it.
It was Maghreb time when that cannon was fired. People thought of as Sultan’s way to informing that it was the time to break the fast. Since then, this tradition is linked to the holy month and is carried out every year.
