As Muslims around the world come together to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, there’s a palpable feeling of joy and godliness in the air. Whether it’s the lively streets of Egypt or the peaceful mosques in Indonesia, the various traditions during Ramadan showcase the beautiful diversity of Islamic cultures in different parts of the world. Come along on a virtual journey with us as we explore the unique Ramadan tradition across different Muslim countries. May this joyful read become a reminder to always cherish our faith with love and devotion!
The Festivities of Ramadan Around the World
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds significant religious importance for Muslims worldwide. It is believed to be the month in which the Quran, the holy book of Islam, was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by Allah through the archangel Jibril.
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, as part of the Five Pillars of Islam, which also include faith, prayer, charity, and pilgrimage. Fasting during this time is a way to engage in self-reflection, exercise self-discipline, and empathize with those who are less fortunate.
Photo: Drazen Zigic via Getty Image
Fasting is also believed to purify the mind, body, and spirit, bringing Muslims closer to Allah by focusing on spiritual reflection, prayer, and acts of charity. Moreover, fasting during Ramadan fosters a sense of unity and togetherness among Muslims worldwide as they engage in this shared act of worship.
Importantly, it also serves as a time for increased prayer, recitation of the Quran, and acts of charity.
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a festive occasion filled with family and friends, special prayers, delicious meals, and the exchange of gifts. Over time, Ramadan has served as a period for spiritual enlightenment, building connections within the community, and personal contemplation for Muslims across the globe!
Ramadan Tradition Around the World
1. Indonesia
Photo: Umar Ben via Unsplash
Indonesia, a country with the largest Muslim population, celebrates Ramadan with bustling night markets and vibrant streets as well as public decorations. Traditions such as groups walking through the streets, banging drums, or noise-making instruments to wake up their fellow Muslims for suhoor are also popular.
Now, here’s something cool in Indonesia, they rock the tradition of giving charity in the form of money during Eid. It’s all about spreading love by giving money, known as sedekah, especially to kids who could use a little extra cheer. Talk about heartwarming generosity and community spirit!
Eid al-Fitr in Indonesia is celebrated with new clothes, holiday allowance, traditional dishes like ketupat and opor ayam, along with community prayers and family gatherings for two to three days.
2. Saudi Arabia
Photo: visitsaudi.com
As the home to the two holiest cities in Islam, Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia celebrates Ramadan with major festivals. Streets are filled with Islamic vendors, including food, clothing, souvenirs, and many more.
People fast from sunrise to sunset and when it’s time to break the fast, you can hear the call to prayer echoing through the streets.
The country also observes the hajj pilgrimage, which is a significant event for Muslims worldwide, especially during Ramadan.
3. Egypt
Photo: Khaled Desouki via AFP
Some might say Egypt has one of the best Ramadan festivities. In the country of the Great Sphynx, Ramadan is a month of lantern decorations, nightly drumming processions, and delicious family meals. Fanoos Ramadan, or decorative lanterns, are a symbol of the holy month.
These lanterns not only add to the festive ambiance but also symbolize the arrival of Ramadan, evoking a sense of joy and community spirit.
Eid celebrations in Egypt include visits to family and friends, wearing new clothes, and giving children “Eideya” gifts.
4. Pakistan
Photo: Sabina Khatri via Facebook
Pakistan is big on taraweeh prayers at mosques. Most Pakistani families celebrate Ramadan by traveling around the country, visiting loved ones and in search of stronger faith.
Pakistanis also know how to give back. There are free iftar meals for those who need them, spreading kindness and generosity like confetti. Cities like Lahore and Karachi turn into colorful wonderlands with dazzling lights and decorations, making the streets glow with festive cheer.
Eid festivals are characterized by colorful bazaars, traditional clothes, and festive gatherings in the big cities.
5. Malaysia
Photo: en.mehrnews.com
In Malaysia, Ramadan is a significant and highly anticipated month for the Muslim population. The country is known for its open houses during Eid, where people of all backgrounds and religions are welcomed to join in the festivities.
Meanwhile, during Ramadan, Malaysia holds big and vibrant bazaars, offering a variety of delicious local and international dishes.
6. Turkey
Photo: en.mehrnews.com
Not much different from Indonesia, Turkey celebrates Ramadan with suhoor on the road, taraweeh prayers, food bazaars, and lantern decorations. The only difference is the special pide bread that’s always present during iftar.
Ramadan in Turkey also sees an increase in acts of charity and compassion, with many individuals and organizations providing iftar meals for those in need. One particularly special aspect of Ramadan in Turkey is the tradition of drummers (known as “davulcular”) waking people for suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, with their rhythmic drumming.
Eid al-Fitr in Turkey is celebrated with prayers at mosques, communal meals, and exchanging gifts.
In wrapping up, it’s clear that Ramadan tradition in different Muslim countries displays a rich mix of cultural practices and religious customs. Each country brings its own special touch to the festivities. These traditions not only strengthen community bonds and unity but also reflect values of compassion, kindness, and collective happiness that define Ramadan across diverse areas of the globe.
Celebrate Ramadan with Loved Ones at Bobobox
Feel the festivities of Ramadan around the world through Bobobox. Bobocabin and Bobopod provide the perfect ambiance for celebrating Ramadan with family and friends. Experience the cozy setting and relaxing atmosphere, brimming with a sense of warmth and unity, all the while surrounded by family and friends.
For your comfort and convenience, Bobobox provides a unique service of waking up guests for suhoor during the month of Ramadan to ensure that guests have ample time to partake in pre-dawn meals and prepare for the day’s fast.
This perk comes free of charge, as well as the meals that come with it. Guests only have to notify the staff if they want to participate in the suhoor program during their stay.
Celebrate Ramadan with Bobobox by booking a room. Download the app and experience the festivities yourself!
Writer: Samala Mahadi
Header image by: egypttoursportal.com
