5 Traditions Followed During Ramadan

The Holy month of Ramdan, has just began. It is the most important and spiritual month in Islam. Worldwide, this month is observed as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad according to Islamic belief. Ramadan is considered to be a time for gratitude, helping the less fortunate and to reconnect with Allah. Many traditons are followed to celebrate Ramadan in unique ways.

1. As the period of Ramadan begins, people greet each other by saying ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ on the first day.

2. The Ramadan days begin and end with prayers. Muslims also make it a point to visit the mosque during the Ramadan month. Muslims give up water, food, intoxicating substances or sexual activities during the daylight hours only to have food twice a day; when the sun rises and when the sun sets. The meal before sunrise is called Suhoor and the meal after sunset is called Iftar.

3. People completely refrain from vices such as greed, lust, anger, false promises or gossip. For those who are well to do, there is a tradition is to donate 2.5% of their total assets to the destitutes. This is known as ‘Zakhat’.

4. The ‘Fanous’ or lanterns of Ramadan are one of the most captivating sights in Egypt. According to legend, the Egyptians welcomed the arrival of Caliph Moezz Eddin Allah to Cairo in the year 969 by lighting hundreds of lanterns. The tradition has continued and become a part of the Ramadan celebration.

5. In various cities in the Arab world, the sunrise and sunset are signalled by the firing of a cannon. This was traditionally done so even people far away could hear the sound and proceed with their day accordingly but is now mainly symbolic.