How Muslims around the world celebrate Ramadan: interesting traditions

The month of Ramadan is celebrated by different peoples around the world with their own unique customs and rituals. Below you will find some interesting traditions from some countries:

Indonesia: Padusan Ceremony

In Indonesia, Muslims hold a ritual called "Padusan" before Ramadan. In this ritual, people bathe in rivers, lakes, or seas to purify themselves spiritually and physically. "Padusan" means "to bathe" in Javanese, and the tradition has been practiced for centuries.

Lebanon: Cannon-throwing tradition

In Lebanon, there is a tradition of firing cannons to signal the start of the iftar meal. This tradition has been practiced for over 200 years and is an integral part of the month of Ramadan.

UAE: Haq al-Layla

In the UAE, the 15th day of Sha'ban, the month before Ramadan, is celebrated as "Haq al-Layla." On this day, children wear colorful clothes and go around neighborhoods, collecting sweets and nuts, and singing traditional songs.

Pakistan: Chand Raat

In Pakistan, the last day of Ramadan marks the start of the "Chand Raat" festival, which begins with the sighting of the new moon. Women gather to buy colorful bracelets and have their hands painted with henna. On this night, markets stay open until dawn, and festive festivities begin.

Morocco: No one

In Morocco, a person called a "Nafar" walks the streets during Ramadan, dressed in traditional clothing, announcing the approach of the dawn prayer with a special trumpet. He is usually chosen by the local population for his honesty and compassion, and is responsible for waking people up for the dawn prayer.

South Africa: Maan Kiker

In South Africa, the end of Ramadan is marked by the sighting of the first crescent moon. In Cape Town, Muslims gather to observe the new moon. Only "Maan Kiker" appointed by the South African Islamic Judicial Council are authorized to make an official announcement, announcing the arrival of Eid al-Fitr to the community.

Afghanistan: First day of Ramadan

In Afghanistan, the first day of Ramadan is declared an official holiday. Prayers and sermons are held in mosques, with special emphasis on recitations of the Quran. It is customary to distribute food and help the poor, and iftars are organized in many mosques.

Turkey: Ramadan Pide, Gullech and Drummers

In Turkey, a bread called "Ramadan pide" and a dessert called "Gullech" are widely consumed during the month of Ramadan. Pide is similar to the Uzbek shapati bread, while Gullech is made from milk and sugar and decorated with pistachios and fruits. Also, in Turkey, at dawn, drummers go around neighborhoods, beating drums to wake people up for the morning prayer. This tradition has been preserved for centuries and is still continued in many places.

These traditions show how Ramadan is celebrated in different countries and demonstrate the cultural richness of the Islamic world.