Ramadan Around the World: A Month of Faith and Togetherness
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and a special time for Muslims worldwide. It is a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection, bringing people together in faith and compassion. While the basic practices of Ramadan are the same everywhere, such as fasting from dawn to sunset, each culture adds its unique traditions.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the month when Muslims believe the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It teaches self-control, gratitude, and care for those in need. Muslims begin the day with a pre-dawn meal called suhoor and break their fast at sunset with iftar.
Ramadan Traditions Around the World
Middle East and North Africa
In countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Morocco, Ramadan is marked by colourful lights, lively markets, and big family meals. People often break their fast with dates and water, followed by dishes like Moroccan soup and sweet desserts.
South Asia
In Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, Ramadan evenings are filled with food bazaars selling treats like samosas and sweet syrupy jalebi. Families pray together, and giving to charity is a big focus.
Southeast Asia
In Indonesia and Malaysia, Ramadan is celebrated with special markets and foods like kolak (a sweet coconut dessert) and murtabak (a stuffed flatbread). Communities gather for prayers and iftar meals.
Africa
In Nigeria and Senegal, Ramadan includes communal prayers and sharing meals like rice dishes, stews, and fried snacks. In some places, drumming wakes people up for suhoor.
Europe and the Americas
In places like Sweden, where fasting hours can be very long, Muslims adapt by creating strong community support. In the U.S. and Canada, Ramadan is celebrated with foods and traditions from around the world, reflecting the diversity of Muslim communities.
Unique Customs
- In Egypt, people use lanterns called fanoos to decorate streets and homes.
- In cities like Dubai and Istanbul, cannons are fired at sunset to signal the end of fasting.
- In the Gulf region, children go door-to-door collecting sweets, similar to Halloween.
Watch the Ramadan song.
The Spirit of Giving
Helping others is a big part of Ramadan. Muslims donate to charities, share meals with those in need, and host community iftars to bring everyone together.
Eid al-Fitr: The Big Celebration
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast." Families wear new clothes, pray together, share meals, and exchange gifts. It’s a time of joy and togetherness.
Ramadan’s Universal Message
Ramadan brings Muslims all over the world together, despite differences in culture and traditions. It’s a time to reflect on faith, practice kindness, and build stronger communities.
From the lantern-lit streets of Cairo to the vibrant markets of Jakarta, Ramadan is a celebration of shared values and unity.
Ready to find out more?
You can find out more about what's going on over Ramadan in North Tyneside, at the Whitley Bay Islamic Cultural Centre
Article by
Rashda Salamat
English as an additional language Teacher
The Inclusive Learning and Achievement Service (ILAS)
rashda.salamat@northtyneside.gov.uk