Ramadan Mubarak!
Golnaz Al-Jahdali takes us through the traditions and celebrations of Ramadan.
The month of Ramadan holds a very special place in the hearts of Muslims around the world and is one of the most paramount and celebrated times of the year in the Muslim world. It is a time of spiritual connection, self-reflection and charitable affectivity.
On top of all that, Ramadan is a period of social connectivity and bonding with family and friends. Ramadan is a joyful month, and the festive mood can be felt all over. Streets, homes, and businesses are adorned with special decorations and lights and an overall blissful spirit. One of the most traditional Ramadan decorations is the Fanous or the lanterns of Ramadan. The Fanous has become a Ramadan tradition all over the world.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the month in which the Quran, the Islamic holy book, was revealed to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). Fasting during the month of Ramadan is a commemoration of that revelation. Based on the lunar cycle (phases of the moon), Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar. It is regarded by all Muslims as the holiest and most sacred month of the year.
The month of Ramadan starts with the sighting of the new crescent moon, and therefore, the month does not start at the exact same day around the world. The reason behind this fluctuation, which is usually just one day, is that most countries, but not all, follow the moon sighting by a religious committee in Saudi Arabia.
Ramadan ends with a three-day celebration of Eid El Fitr where Muslims start the festivities with a communal prayer, before families gather for elaborate meals that include savoury food and delectable sweets and treats. During the feast, everyone gets dressed in new and elegant clothes and monetary gifts are given to children by their relatives.
Fasting During Ramadan
During Ramadan, every healthy and able adult is obligated to refrain from eating and drinking from dawn till dusk. Muslims are additionally obligated to demonstrate self-discipline and abstain from harmful and negative habits such as aggression, smoking, and gossiping. Muslims eat two main meals during Ramadan: Suhoor and Iftar.
Suhoor is a pre-dawn breakfast-like meal that is eaten right before starting the daily fasting. It is eaten before the first prayer of the day; the Fajr prayer. This is usually consumed at around 3 a.m. Iftar, eaten at sunset, is the meal that breaks the fasting and is considered the main meal of the day. Iftar starts with the evening prayer, the Maghreb prayer. This meal is generally eaten at around 6 p.m.
Following in the footsteps of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), Muslims like to start Iftar with water and dates before consuming their regular meals. Iftar usually consist of an elaborate menu of savoury dishes and delicious sweets. Special Ramadan drinks are presented during Iftar such as dates and milk shake, Tamarind juice, Karkadeh, and Amar al Din.
Detailed attention is paid to the table settings for the Iftar. Special Ramadan table covers and dishes are beautifully set for this meal which makes it even more appealing. Everyone must add being invited to an Iftar meal to their bucket list for its delicious variety of dishes and drinks and the unique aura surrounding this meal.
Ramadan Rituals
Compassion is one of Islam’s strongest virtues, and this sentiment is highly emphasised and encouraged during the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is a time for giving and being generous as charity is deemed to be one of the many spiritual factors and rewards of this holy month.
Fasting during Ramadan compels Muslims to feel with the less fortunate. Throughout Ramadan, many free Suhoor and Iftar meals can be seen being served in restaurant-like settings around many major streets and neighbourhoods. These settings are called Mawaed Al Rahman which translates to “Tables of the Merciful”; the merciful being Allah (God). In addition, Muslims become extra charitable during Ramadan and get in the habit of donating to charitable causes and families in need.
Spirituality is elevated during this holy month. Praying, reading, and reciting the Quran, is an essential part of the religious discipline of Ramadan. A specific Ramadan prayer, referred to as Tarawih, is done at the eve of everyday during Ramadan. Tarawih is usually prayed at the mosques which helps to intensify ties within the community.
Ramadan is also a time for families and friends to strengthen their bonds. It is very common for Muslims to invite friends and family to elaborate Iftar meals and celebrate this exceptional month together. Restaurants also offer special Iftar meals surrounded by festive decorations, special treats, and cheerful music. It is not an unusual scene to see families and friends gathered in fully booked restaurants and cafes around town.
A final note from Golnaz
Ramadan is a holy month that goes beyond fasting and religion. It’s a celebration of culture, history, community, as well as faith. All over the world, Muslims mark this period with lively celebrations and family gatherings, all of which are closely connected to their religion and have been passed on from one generation to the next. Ramadan is a time that Muslims look forward to and prepare extensively for its arrival. It is without a doubt one of the most joyous events that Muslims around the world relish and appreciate.
Ramadan Mubarak to those celebrating!