7 Unique Ramadan Traditions Around the World

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Muslims around the world celebrate Ramadan with their own unique culturally rich traditions which hold the value of each country. Below are some interesting Ramadan traditions in different parts of the world.

1. Fanous Tradition in Egypt

Every year, Egyptians welcome Ramadan with fanous, colorful lanterns that symbolize unity and joy throughout the holy month. Although more cultural than religious, this tradition is closely associated with the month of Ramadan and carries deep spiritual significance. Stories about its origins vary, but the most famous version says that fanous first appeared one night during the Fatimid Dynasty.

2. Cannon firing in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The people of Bosnia and Herzegovina have a unique Ramadan tradition, where they fire cannons before breaking their fast. What makes it unique is that they don't use just any cannon. Instead, the cannons they use are hundreds of years old and have been passed down for generations. These cannons have been used during Ramadan for centuries. Locals like to watch this custom while having a picnic and cheering when the cannons are fired.

3. Chaand Raat in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan

On the last night of Ramadan, known as Chaand Raat (moon night), the streets of South Asia are often filled with celebrations by exchanging sweets. Women flock to jewelry stores and henna stalls to buy matching bangles and dye their hands with henna. According to Ielc.co.id, henna is a long-standing Ramadan practice in South Asian countries.

4. Mheibes Tradition in Iraq

After Iftar, Iraqis will gather to play a traditional game called Mheibes. The male-dominated game involves two groups of around 40 to 250 players, who take turns hiding Mheibes (rings). The game relies on cunning and strategy as team members try to find who hides the rings based on their body movements.

5. Haq al Laila Tradition in the United Arab Emirates

This tradition is similar in concept to trick or treat from Western culture. Haq al-Laila is held on the 15th of Sha'ban, the Islamic month that precedes Ramadan. On that day, children in the UAE will go around their neighborhoods to collect candies and nuts in kharyta (tote bags). They do this while singing traditional local songs, which are sung in the streets with great enthusiasm.

6. Nafar Activities in Morocco

During Ramadan, residents in Morocco will witness the arrival of the nafar, a group of messengers dressed in their traditional garb. Dressed in gandora (Moroccan tunic), slippers, and hats, the group signals the start of dawn with their signature melodies. The nafars go around the streets blowing trumpets as a way to wake people up for suhoor. This tradition has spread from the Middle East to Morocco and dates back to the seventh century.

7. Ballad Singing by Roma Muslims in Albania

For over a hundred years, members of the Roma Muslim community, which has historical roots in the Ottoman Empire, have celebrated the beginning and end of fasting with their traditional songs. Every day during Ramadan, they gather in the streets to play the lodra, a cylindrical drum with two ends that they make themselves with layers of sheep or goat skin. As part of iftar celebrations, Muslim families in Albania often invite the drummers into their homes to play traditional ballads.

SHARISYA KUSUMA RAHMANDA | MOHAMMAD HATTA MUARABAGJA

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