3 unique Ramadan traditions from around the world
As most of you know, ahead of Eid al-Fitr, people in the Islamic community observe a period of fasting often associated with spiritual growth. Yes, we are talking about Ramadan. It is one of the five pillars of Islam alongside declaration of faith, daily prayers, almsgiving and pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. People believe that fasting during Ramadan represents empathy for the less fortunate who often go hungry. However, according to the holy book Quran, Ramadan is directly linked to gaining of taqwa. Wondering what it means? Well, it refers to the concept of being cautious and careful of where to go in life, not as a fear of the negative consequences but because Allah says so. Quite fascinating, isn’t it? This year, Ramadan is from 23rd March to 21st April, the day after which is Eid al-Fitr, which celebrates the breaking of this long fasting period through iftar or community feast. In fact, Eid al-Fitr is often called the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast. Like people from all other religious beliefs, people from the Islamic faith are spread worldwide and each place and its people have their own unique Ramadan traditions. Here’s let’s take a look at a few of them.
Lighting vibrant lanterns in Egypt
People in Egypt have the tradition of adorning their streets with lanterns called “fanoos” that are up spreading life for the entire period of Ramadan. They believe that the lanterns represent unity and joy. In fact, legend has it that the Egyptian fanoos emerged as early as 969 AD when king and prophet Fatimid Caliph Moaezz El-Din El-Allah was returning from a tour back to the city of Cairo (founded by him and his army) on the fifth day of Ramadan. As it happened, that particular night was really dark, which is why the citizens came out of their home holding candles to welcome their king home. But they also did something else. Realising that the candles may easily blow out in the wind, they shielded them with wooden frames. Later, these candles with wooden shelters were modified into fanoos or patterned lanterns that exist till date and are lit during the Ramadan month.
Announcing Suhoor in Turkey
Suhoor, that literally translates to ‘pre-dawn meal’ refers to the meal that Muslims consume early in the morning before starting their day’s fast throughout the Ramadan month. Now, in Turkey, in order to wake up the people and get them ready for Suhoor, as many as 20000 drummers go around the towns and cities. They are usually dressed in traditional attires called davulcusu, that comprises of a vest, a robe and a fez (a cylindrical hat with a tassel on top). In fact, a few years back, the Turkish government issued official membership card for all the drummers around the country who were involved in the Suhoor announcement. The goal was to instil a sense of pride among today’s generation to keep the age-old tradition going.
A version of trick or treat in the Gulf countries
On the 13th, 14th and 15th day of Ramadan, kids in the Gulf countries such as the UAE engage in a tradition called Haq Al Laila. It is the Islamic version of trick or treat and had originated in Bahrain. Today, however, it is celebrated in many places and involves youngsters roaming around the neighbourhoods, dressed in vibrant and traditional costumes, collecting sweets and carolling “Aaatona Allah Yutikom, Bait Makkah Yudikum” which literally translates to “Give to Us and Allah Will Reward You and Help You Visit His House in Mecca.” People believe that this custom symbolises strong social bond and family values.