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TEMPO.CO - Ramadan is a sacred month eagerly anticipated by Muslims worldwide. Although fasting is observed similarly, by refraining from eating, drinking, and other activities that invalidate the fast from dawn until dusk, each country has different unique traditions.
These traditions stem from local culture merged with Islamic values, creating unique ways for people to welcome and observe the sacred month. Here are some unique traditions during Ramadan in various countries.
Nyekar in Indonesia
In Indonesia, one of the traditions still carried out before Ramadan is Nyekar, which involves visiting the graves of ancestors, relatives, and their families. People visit the graves to clean the cemetery area, scatter flowers and pray for the deceased to rest in peace.
As reported by The National News, this tradition is observed to strengthen family ties as Muslims prepare to face one of the year's holiest days.
Ramadan Fanous in Egypt
In Egypt, Ramadan is synonymous with Fanous Ramadan. Homes, streets, and mosques are decorated with colorful lanterns. As cited from Embrace Relief, the Fanous tradition originated from the Fatimid Caliphate era, when the Caliph welcomed the holy month by lighting streets and mosques with lanterns. This tradition has evolved over centuries, symbolizing hope, joy, and the light of faith that guides Muslims through the fasting month.
Additionally, as stated on the Akhuwat Australia website, this land of the Pyramids is also known for the tradition of Mawaeed Al-Rahman, or 'Table of Mercy', providing free meals for the poor throughout Ramadan. Long tables are set up in the streets, both in local neighborhoods and impoverished areas, as an act of social care.
Haq Al-Laila in the United Arab Emirates
Before Ramadan begins, children in the UAE celebrate Haq Al-Laila, which means 'for this night', a tradition held on the 15th of Sha'ban, where children dress in traditional attire, carry colorful woven bags, and go from house to house after Maghrib prayers to sing and receive nuts and candies from neighbors. The Haq Al-Laila tradition aims to instill a spirit of sharing early on and teach children about the importance of Ramadan.
Mheibes in Iraq
After breaking the fast, people in Iraq gather to play a traditional game called Mheibes. This game is usually played in two groups, each consisting of 40 to 250 players, taking turns to hide the Mheibes, a ring.
The Mheibes game relies on strategy and cunning, starting with the team leader holding the ring with a hand hidden under a blanket, while other team members sit on folded hands, and the leader secretly passes the ring to another player. Participants' body movements must be observed, and their opponents must guess who will receive the ring.
Cannon Firing in Bosnia and Herzegovina
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ramadan is marked by the boom of ancient cannons passed down through generations. This centuries-old tradition serves as the signal for iftar. Residents often gather to witness this moment while having picnics, creating a unique and enthusiastic atmosphere. When the cannon is fired, the roar is greeted with cheers, adding to the festivity of the holy month in the Balkan nation.
Night of the Moon in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh
The Night of the Moon, also known as Chaand Raat, is the last night of Ramadan and a grand celebration in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. South Asian streets are crowded with people preparing to welcome Eid al-Fitr with the tradition of exchanging sweet foods and shopping for jewelry.
Women flock to henna stalls to decorate their hands and buy matching bracelets. This tradition has endured for a long time, adding to the excitement leading up to the festival. Meanwhile, local bazaars are filled with enthusiasm, showcasing community fervor in welcoming Eid al-Fitr.
Graish Tradition in Kuwait
As reported by Raphia, the people of Kuwait observe the Graish tradition, a communal meal with family and friends before entering the fasting month as a form of spiritual preparation and togetherness.
Special Snacks and Nafar Activities in Morocco
In the ten days leading up to Ramadan, Moroccans prepare special snacks such as Chebakia and Briouate, favorite dishes during the holy month. Before dawn, groups of men dressed in traditional attire, known as nafar, wake people up with trumpet blasts, a tradition dating back to the seventh century. Additionally, traveling drummers wake people up for suhoor, a tradition also found in Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, Syria, Palestine, and various Middle Eastern and North African countries.
Barkat Kisasi in Azerbaijan and Gathering Traditions in Albania
On the last Friday of Ramadan, women in Azerbaijan sew special sacks called Barkat Kisasi or 'sacks of blessings' which are filled with money and kept until the following Ramadan.
Meanwhile, the Muslim community in Albania, with roots in the Ottoman Empire, celebrates Ramadan with traditional ballad singing. They gather in the streets every day, playing the lodra, a cylindrical drum of layered sheep or goat skin, as part of the breaking of the fast celebration.
Sharisya Kusuma Rahmanda contributed to this article.
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