Ramzan Traditions From Around The World

Ramzan has almost started knocking at our doors. This year, the holy month will begin on 12th April and end on the 12th of May. Although the crux remains the same, Muslims all around the world celebrate it with a touch of their own customs, traditions and culture. The result is often a beautiful celebration of this pious month by people from all walks of life, age groups and backgrounds.

Besides the fasting, prayers and iftar meals, people from the Muslim community like to keep the spirit of the month alive using some of these unique Ramadan traditions native to their motherland. Keep reading to find out how the world has added its own flavour to the celebratory festivities.

Ramadan in Indonesia

Indonesia is a country with a 86% Muslim density. With such a high headcount of people celebrating Ramadan, there are bound to be a few unique characteristics that the celebrations would have brought in with them. One that stands out the most is that the people participate in a purifying bathing ritual before Ramzan where they jump in natural springs to cleanse their body and soul.

Ramadan in Albania

This practice has been continuing in Albania for the most part of the last century. Some people even believe this tradition to have originated during the Ottoman empire. During the month of Ramadan, people from the Roma Muslim community roam the streets of Albania playing traditional songs and instruments. Seeing them, people would often invite them into their houses to play songs and celebrate iftar (meal served at the end of the day).

Ramadan in Turkey

Quite similar to Albania, a group of more than 2000 people in traditional Ottoman clothes go around the streets of Turkey playing the drums with the intention of waking people up for ‘suhoor’ (the meal consumed early in the morning).

Ramadan in Saudi Arabia

Saudi has quite a spiritual atmosphere during this time. With the two most important mosques in the culture being located in the country, they follow quite a fool-proof and meticulous way of celebrating Ramzan. One thing that stands out here is how, in a family, the iftar celebrations will happen at a different family member’s place each evening, with respect to their increasing age.

Ramadan in Iraq

Ramzan in Iraq begins with shopping. Families begin their Ramzan preparations with grocery shopping at the “Souk Al Shourja” in Baghdad. When traversing through the little alleys and streets, you’d also find people playing “Mheibes” in coffee shops during this month, a traditional game of hiding and seeking an object, usually a ring.

Ramadan in Singapore

Families in Singapore like to celebrate Hari Raya by going to the iconic Geylang Serai market. It is only operational during the month of Ramzan and is a place where people flood in during the holy month to get their hands on decor items, new clothes and of course some delicious food for the evening iftar. You’d often see shoppers queue in front of the market ahead of the Ramadan season.

Ramadan in UAE

Did you know that in UAE, by law, Muslims and non-Muslims are restricted from working late hours during the month of Ramadan? In fact, the normal working hours get reduced by two hours for all people working in the country. UAE and especially, the leading tourist destination of Dubai, comes alive at night during the month of Ramzan with restaurants, cafes and major landmarks and attractions remaining open until late hours.

Ramadan in Qatar

Ramadan in Qatar starts with wholesome delicacies and ends with a satiating feeling and bundle of memories for all. Being a Muslim country, the elaborate Iftars and Suhoor buffets in Doha are delightful. Expats from around the world visit this country to indulge in Iftar during Ramadan. Apart from this, Qatar offers plenty of family-friendly events and cultural displays at Katara Cultural Village, Aspire Zone and other places to revel in the spirit of the festival.