Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar that will arrive in Feb 2025. This is when Muslims fast for 29 or 30 days, based on the moon sightings. However, Ramadan is not about staying hungry from dawn till dusk rathe,r it is about learning the art of compassion for those who are needy.
Also, this month is a high time to become closer to God Almighty since the doors of the Hells are closed, and all the Shayateens are chained. While the spirit of Ramadan is the same for Muslims, every culture brings its own ways of celebrating it. This holy season gathers people from different communities to share their meals and joy. This blog will explore how Ramadan is celebrated around the world. Worshippers can book Ramadan Umrah packages in 2025 to experience the festive of Umrah during Ramadan.
Importance of Ramadan
The sacred month of Ramadan is of great importance in the eyes of the believers. This is the time that allows Muslims to ask Allah Almighty for forgiveness for their wrong actions. Moreover, this season helps the worshippers to improve their character. The significance of this month is increased even more when people travel to holy cities to perform Umrah in Ramadan.
During this holy time, you don’t just control yourself from food and water but also from desires and other immoral acts. This benefits your physical health and spiritual growth. Another main reason why Ramadan is so important is that Allah Almighty revealed the Quran to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in this month over 23 years. This makes Ramadan more special for the Muslims.
How Ramadan is Celebrated Around the World?
This section will delve deeper into the various traditions followed by cultures to celebrate the festive of Ramadan. Every country welcomes this blessed month in its own manner, presenting a unique vibe to it. Let’s take a closer look at how Muslims rejoice this holy month:
1. Lightning Streets
One of the traditions that is done in Ramadan is lightning up the streets. Egpyt welcomes the holy month in full colours. The locals start shopping one month before the month. Moreover, they lighten up the streets and decorate their homes with beautiful lanterns called Fanoos. This tradition goes back to 1oth century during the dynasty of Fatamid Capilhate.
As per the legend, when Moaezz El-Din El-Allah came to Cairo from Morrocco for the first time, the Egyptians welcomed him with candles closed in wooden frames. They lighted up the path from him as the Caliph came at dusk time. Hence, these lanterns became a part of the Egyptian culture.
Travellers who visit Egpyt can find these stunningly carved lanterns in flea markets. You will find the houses and streets shimmering with the lights of these lanterns in Ramadan in Egypt.
2. Wake-up Calls
Another unique tradition is the wake-up call. During Ramadan, people often feel lazy after breaking their fast with all those heavy and starchy foods. Plus, the long worshipping at night also leaves them tired to wake up for Suhoor. This is why Moroccans and Turkish people have found a way to this problem.
During Ramadan, a masaharati, locally known as naffar in Morrocco, roams around the streets, calling everyone to wake up. The interesting part is the attire. The night caller wears the traditional gandora and a hat.
In Turkey, this human clock system is done differently. The Ramadan is celebrated quite loudly here. This tradition has its roots back to the Ottoman Empire, where people used to gather up, wearing local costumes- a vest and a fez. Unlike Morrocoons, Turkish people march the streets, banging the double-headed davul drums to wake everyone up for the Suhoor time. While this ritual may be disturbing for some, it marks an important cultural part for Muslims in both countries.
3. Firing Canons
Firing canons known as Midfa al Iftar, is a popular tradition in Ramadan that is observed in Lebanon. While this ritual began in Egypt, it spread across the Middle East and became a part of a few countries.
In this ritual, a canon is fired as the sun goes down the horizon line, indicating that the day has ended and Muslims can break their fast. This tradition is the oldest one, dating back to the 10th or 19th century, which is still practised in full fervour.
4. Collecting Sweets
The fascinating tradition of Ramadan happens in UAE and Kuwait. This ritual occurs on the 5th of Shaban, one month before the start of Ramadan. Known as the Haq al Laila, this tradition is the Arab version of Halloween’s trick-or-treat.
During this ritual, children dress up in bright-coloured dresses and wander around the streets to collect sweets from houses. They knock on the doors of their neighbours saying “Atoona Hag Al Laila,” meaning “give us sweets tonight” and collecting sweets and other treats in their tote bags.
Similarly, in Kuwait, young Muslims ring the doorbells of different homes, wearing local garb. They walk around the streets and sing holy songs in exchange for chocolates or candies. The elders share Quranic stories and verses with the kids, guiding them about the value of Ramadan and fasting.
5. Purification Bath
Indonesia celebrates Ramadan like no other. This is marked with a purification ritual where people bathe In natural springs, rivers or even oceans before the holy month begins. Known as Padusan, this tradition is rooted in the Javanese culture. It symbolizes the spiritual and physical cleansing before Ramadan.
Locals believe that they must purify themselves both from inside and outside. By washing away their impurities, they prepare their hearts to focus on worship and good deeds, leaving behind negativity, distractions and bad habits. Padusan occurs on the last day of Shaban, the month before Ramadan.
Families, friends, and entire communities gather near springs and rivers to take part in this meaningful tradition. They sometimes carry snacks and drinks to enjoy after the ritual. Kids splash around in the water, elders share stories, and there is a sense of excitement in the air. This makes the arrival of Ramadan more special.
While this tradition is cultural, religious scholars remind the believers to focus on the spiritual benefit rather than turning it into a mere social gathering.
Wrap Up
This blog has shared how Ramadan is celebrated around the world. Muslims can book different Umrah packages in 2025 to benefit from the rewards of pilgrimage and Ramadan. They can welcome this blessed month with great enthusiasm, making the 3 Ashras of Ramadan wholesome. Are you looking for suitable travel bundles to perform Umrah during Ramadan? Contact Muslims Holy Travel to get personalized travel deals. For the last 10 years, we have offered affordable travel packages to our clients, making their journey convenient, memorable, and worry-free.