Ramadan traditions from around the world

The holy month of Ramadan for Muslims has begun with the first fast of millions of Muslims. Muslims around the world will also fast during the holy month. Of course, this worship is performed in the same way in every part of the world. Ramadan is greeted differently in each region. With the advent of Ramadan, Egyptian Muslims decorate streets and boulevards with eye-catching lanterns. On the other hand, Cameroonians do not close their doors at all during Ramadan during Iftar and Suhoor. Here are some interesting Ramadan traditions from around the world, from Iraq to Cameroon, from India to Egypt.

1. Egypt

Egypt is one of the countries where Ramadan is the “most joyful month”. Because this ancient African country has very deep rooted and interesting Ramadan traditions. At the beginning of these lanterns called lantern and decorations made of colored paper.

With the beginning of the month of Ramadan, Egyptians decorate their homes, shops, streets and squares with colorful lanterns and eye-catching decorations. This ancient tradition, also called the “Ramadan lantern” or “Ramadan lamp,” is believed to have its origins in the Fatimid dynasty of Egypt.

As one of the most populous countries in the world, India is home to people from dozens of different cultures and beliefs. Of course, millions of Muslims also live in India. For this reason, the country’s ancient Ramadan traditions continue today.

One of the most ingrained traditions of Ramadan in India is known as ‘Seheriwalas’. The traditions of the Seheriwalas of India, the cradle of ancient civilisations, are quite familiar to us. Because it reminds us of the beating of the drums of Ramadan. People called “seheriwala” in the tradition of Seheriwalas, which is believed to have been practiced since the Mughal Empire in India, remind sleeping Muslims that it is time for suhoor by reciting various poems.

3. Indonesia

Many Indonesian Muslims on the island of Java try to purify their souls and bodies with interesting and well-established Ramadan traditions. In the context of a tradition called “padosan,” which means “purification” in Javanese, Indonesian Muslims bathe in lakes, rivers, and seas at the start of Ramadan in order to experience symbolic purification on both a spiritual and physical level.

4- Albania

Muslim communities around the world continue to preserve Ramadan traditions that have been handed down for hundreds of years. On the other hand, Muslims living in Albania have continued a very entertaining tradition for many years. Dubbed Tabuh Lodra, this Ramadan tradition has been going on for centuries as a ritual to welcome Ramadan.

In the context of this tradition, musicians, often dressed in special clothing, play a drum-like instrument called a ludra before iftar and suhoor. On the other hand, Muslims living in Albania give some money or some gifts to the musicians as part of the tradition. It is also an important part of the tradition in which these musicians are hosted at the Iftar or Suhoor tables.

5. Iraq

The ancient tradition of Ramadan, which traces its origins back to Iraq long ago, still exists to this day. It is not known exactly when this ancient tradition appeared. Iraqi men gather in large groups after breaking the fast to play a game called “the majestic,” but actually to keep Ramadan traditions alive.

Majestic is an interesting cheating game based on figuring out who has a missing ring. Furthermore, those playing the game are forbidden to speak, and are only allowed to communicate with body language. After all, with this Iraqi tradition of Ramadan, many Iraqis have the opportunity to spend Ramadan together.

6. Cameroon

There are some interesting Ramadan traditions in Cameroon. For example, Cameroonians in every part of the country do not close the doors of their homes during the hours of iftar and suhoor, but, on the contrary, leave them wide open. These open doors mean that foreigners looking for a place to have breakfast can sit at the table they want without waiting for an invitation.

7. United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is one of the countries that has a tradition similar to ours, collecting sweets during the holidays. However, this tradition is different from ours, in the UAE on the 13th and 14th. And on the 15th. According to the tradition called Haq al-Laila, children dressed in special clothes go around the neighborhoods singing and collecting sweets.

8. Yemen

Ramadan traditions in Yemen are as colorful as they are in Egypt. But the most famous ancient Ramadan tradition in Yemen is the tradition of painting houses during Ramadan. Yemenis believe that with this ancient tradition, they are cleansed of material and spiritual impurities.

9. Uzbekistan

Every country in the world has its own unique traditions. For this reason, the traditions of Ramadan in countries are very different from each other. The tea tradition, which continues on breakfast tables in Uzbekistan, is very interesting. Accordingly, Uzbek Muslims break their fast at the iftar table with tea, which they serve in traditional cups instead of water or dates. After drinking tea, the Uzbeks begin to have breakfast.