Ramadan is a significant month that goes beyond fasting and is deeply embedded in culture, faith, and history. Muslims around the world celebrate it with unique customs and traditions that vary from culture to culture. It is observed annually during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is one of the fundamental pillars of Islam, mandatory for physically able Muslims. Egyptians welcome Ramadan with fanous, ornate lanterns that represent unity and joy during the holy month. While this tradition is more cultural than religious, it is closely linked with Ramadan and has gained spiritual importance.
As for the Egyptian culture, there are various stories surrounding the origin of fanous, the ornate lanterns that Egyptians use to welcome Ramadan. One popular tale dates back to the Fatimid dynasty when locals used wooden frames to hold candles to create an illuminated entrance for Caliphate Al-Muʿizz li-Dīn Allah. These frames evolved into decorative lanterns that are now synonymous with Ramadan. Today, children carry fanous while walking the streets during Ramadan, singing and asking for gifts and sweets.
Indonesian Muslims observe Padusan, a ritual of purification before Ramadan. They cleanse their body and soul by bathing in natural pools to prepare for fasting and prayer. Nyekar is another Indonesian Ramadan tradition where Javanese Muslims honor their departed family members before the holy month. This practice reflects the belief that Ramadan marks the start of a new life cycle and the end of the previous one. Some rural communities even offer worldly gifts to their ancestors as a sign of respect. These Indonesian Ramadan traditions showcase the country’s rich cultural diversity and the importance of family and community in their observance of the holy month. Through Padusan and Nyekar, Indonesian Muslims reflect on their spiritual and ancestral heritage and renew their commitment to their faith.
In Morocco, during the month of Ramadan, a town crier known as the nafar wearing traditional attire, announces the start of dawn with his melody. The nafar is selected by the townspeople for his honesty and empathy and walks down the streets blowing a horn to wake people up for suhoor. This tradition dates back to the seventh century when a companion of the Prophet Muhammad would roam the streets at dawn singing prayers. The nafar’s music is met with gratitude and thanks from the community, and he is compensated on the last night of Ramadan.
The Roma Muslim in Albanian community has been using traditional songs to announce the beginning and end of fasting for hundreds of years. During Ramadan, they play a drum called a lodra, which is made of sheep or goat skin, and march through the streets every day. Muslim families may invite them into their homes during iftar to play traditional music to celebrate the occasion. For centuries, the Roma Muslims have used traditional songs and a homemade drum, called a lodra, to mark the occasion and bring joy to their community.
Ramadan is celebrated differently across various cultures, with unique customs and traditions. From the lighting of lanterns in Egypt to the Padusan and Nyekar in Indonesia, the holy month unites Muslims worldwide.
