As Muslims, Ramadan is one of the most anticipated times of the year. It is a time for healing, reflection and prayer. While the observance of Ramadan is spiritual, the illuminating and festive energy accompanying the month makes it even more remarkable.
The process of self-purification through abstaining from food and water is challenging. Along with the early mornings and late nights, school, work, and other daily tasks can make the experience even more strenuous. Despite this, Muslims can bear Ramadan’s struggles with happiness and faith.
Ramadan Activities around the world
It is believed that the Holy Quran was revealed during Ramadan. As such, Muslims worldwide attend the evening Taraweeh prayers, where the entire Quran is read over the month.
Muslim men preforming Taraweeh salah in Kyiv, Ukraine. [Source: Anadolu agency / Getty images]
This month, Muslims make a great effort to commit only to doing good actions, as it’s believed to carry more weight in Ramadan. Acts include reading the Quran, giving to charities and feeding the less fortunate.
Ummi Salama Orphanage having supper in Maputo, Mozambique.
All around the world, people of all creeds, ethnicities and cultures have taken the time out to welcome Ramadan. In the United Kingdom, “Happy Ramadan” ornaments illuminated Coventry Street in London. Chelsea FC held its first open Iftar at Stamford Bridge, where Muslims could break their fast.
Coventry Street in London, adorned with Ramadan ornaments. [Source: Rasid Necati Aslim / Anadolu Agency via Getty images]
Muslims breaking their fast at Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea FC. [Source: Reuters]
In the Middle East, many traditions are somewhat connected to each other. For instance, cannons were fired to mark the Middle East’s beginning of the holy month.
Ramadan cannon firing at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. [Source: Gulf news archives]
In various Arab countries, Muslims follow a tradition of lighting lanterns adorned with different colours during Ramadan. The Musaharatis in Palestine bangs their drums to inform Muslims to eat as sunrise is near.
Children carrying lanterns in front of the Al-Nuri Mosque in Mosul, Iraq. [Source: Zaid Al-Obeidi / AFP]
Two Musaharatis beating their drum in the Gaza Strip. [Source: Said Khatib / AFP]
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Traditional Food in the Holy Month
In Ramadan, eating is perceived as a spiritual act rather than mere nourishment. There are two significant mealtimes in Ramadan: Suhoor, eating before sunrise, and Iftar, eating at sunset. According to Islamic teaching, the happiest time of the day is when Muslims break their fasts.
Muslims praying before breaking their fast in Peshawar, Pakistan. [Source: Abdul Majeed / AFP]
Though breaking your fast with a date and a glass of water is customary, any other food depends on cultural traditions. In Sudan, there is a generational drink known as Helo-Murr, which translates to Bittersweet. It is a Ramadan staple in the Northeast African country, and it takes great effort to prepare from scratch.
Sudanese woman preparing helo-murr, for Ramadan. [Source: Ashraf Shazly / AFP]
In South Africa, savouries are food synonymous with Ramadan, including Haleem, vegetable soup, pink milk and boeber (sweetened milk). In the South African Malay community, there’s a tradition of taking the food prepared for Iftar and giving portions to your neighbours, who will provide you with theirs.
Moroccan family prepared their iftar table with multiple dishes.
Although Ramadan is uniquely celebrated worldwide, most of the customs are all the same. This speaks to the oneness and unification of Islam and the devotion of 1.8 billion Muslims.
