Ramadan is the most special month for Muslims. It has its special customs, routines and even foods. In this post, I present some of the customs associated with the holy month in different countries around the world.
Image from flickr.com
To begin with, all peoples welcome Ramadan with happiness and joy. Ramadan is regarded as the month of worship and spirituality. It is the time when one gives up all the bad habits and purifies one’s heart and soul. Most people, me included, endeavour to read the whole Quran during the month of Ramadan. Everyone is keen to pray on time, and charity in Ramadan is often more than any other time of the year!
In Egypt, people are keen to decorate the streets with paper and light decorations. Parents buy lanterns to their children, and everyone buys special desserts and nuts to use them in special Ramadan meals. Breaking the fast is announced by firing traditional cannon in each city, while sohoor is announced by al-mussahirati hitting his small drum.
Image from Flickr.com
In Sudan, people save special foods and dates fir Ramadan, and they buy special spices and sweets as well. Sudanese people have a special drink in Ramadan called (الحلومر) which is a very complicated drink to make. It is usually prepared months before Ramadan, but only consumed during the month.
In Palestine, families enjoy traditional meals like (المقلوبة) which includes rice, aubergines, potatoes and other ingredients. In Kuwait, people are keen to go to mosques and read the Quran in Ramadan. Family visits become more common. One of the most important meals in Ramadan is (الهريس) which includes wheat, meat and butter, with other ingredients.
In Morocco, Ramadan is a very spiritual time. Many people spend most of the night time in mosques, reading the Quran and praying. People are also keen on charity and giving the poor. One of the most special foods in Ramadan is (شوربة الحريرة). In Algeria, men go to public baths for cleanliness before Ramadan begins. Some people paint their houses and decorate them in anticipation of the special occasion.
In Somalia, people celebrate Ramadan by firing rounds in the air. Somalis spend the last 10 days of Ramadan in mosques, praying and reading the Quran. Somalis are keen to have mango and guava juices at the meals. People are keen on preparing fresh foods every day in Ramadan. Meals usually include rice, vegetables and meat. In Comoros, people spend the evenings at the beach. They walk to the beach carrying lanterns and hit the drums to celebrate.
