The month of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar is filled with very delightful and enjoyable customs to Muslims worldwide that are not known to many. Islam is an ancient religion that has already blended with different traditions from one region to another, making the celebrations unique and vibrant in every country.
Ramadan Greeting
As Ramadan month begins, people wish each other by saying ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ on the first day. This is the most common greeting by Muslims as it translates to 'Have a blessed Ramadan'. Happy Ramadan is also an acceptable greeting worldwide.
Breaking of the fast
Every country has its special Ramadan delicacy served during Iftar. Muslims in the Middle Eastern region break their fast by eating dates and a little water. Iftar is the evening meal when Muslims start to break their fast after the sun sets.
Read our list of restaurants offering the best Iftars this Ramadan in the UAE
Touching the door of Kaaba
Muslim worshippers from all over the world would plan at least one time in their lives to go to Makkah, Saudi Arabia to touch the door of Kaaba, Islam’s most sacred site.
Lighting the 'Fanous'
One of the most captivating colours of Ramadan are the 'fanous' or lanterns from old Cairo. The tradition of lighting of lanterns is believed to have been used to light the path of Caliph Moezz Eddin Allah in Cairo in the year 969 AD. People lighted the path along his journey across the city, to the Mokattam mountain for Ramadan’s moon sighting.
Playing Al Siniya
In Kirkuk, Iraq, a folk game called 'Al Siniya', an Arabic term meaning tray, is often played during the month of Ramadan. Men would gather around to play this hours-long game after having iftar with friends and family. The object of the game is for players to find the hidden dice under one of the several overturned copper cups on a tray.
Firing of the Cannon
Historically, the rising and the setting of the sun are both signalled by the firing of cannon. The sound notifies observers when to break the fast at the time when there were no loudspeakers, or technology to tell time. Today, the cannon no longer serves its original purpose but the tradition is followed as a symbolic gesture across the Middle East.
Calling out Hag Al Laila
Here in the UAE, the Hag Al Laila event’s purpose is to educate the public about the month of Ramadan. Children across the UAE walk the streets of their neighbourhoods on Wednesday night, knock on their doors and call out ‘Atoona Hag Al Laila', which means “give us sweets for tonight”.
Not Halloween, it's Hag Al Laila
In some parts of the Gulf, like Qatar, it is called 'Garangao'. This is celebrated after the breaking of the fast on the 14th night of Ramadan. The term comes from ‘gara’, a Khaliji word for the sound of things knocking together. It is a fun tradition to reward Muslim children who also fast during the Ramadan.
Drumming at dawn for suhoor
The 'Mesaharaty' or pre-dawn caller is originally from Egypt. The caller, a man, walks every morning through the streets during Ramadan while playing a drum and singing holy songs. He would do this to wake up for the final meal, or suhoor, before the fast begins. To this day, this tradition continues in many Gulf countries.
Sharing Ramadan sweets
The celebration of Ramadan is another way of exciting our taste buds. Muslims around the world share their favourite Ramadan dessert and they believe that sweets can make this joyous occasion even more meaningful and enjoyable. Just do not over indulge.
Also read our article on where to get sweet treats this Ramadan in Dubai
Celebrating Eid al-Fitr
Around the world, Muslims mark the end of Ramadan with the greatest celebration of all, the breaking of the fast or Eid al-Fitr. This is considered as the most joyful month when people decorate their homes with lights, dress in their finest traditional clothes, give sweets or gifts to children and gather in a feast with friends and family.
