10 amazing Ramadhan traditions from around the world

Feeling the Ramadhan vibes?

We sure hope you’re riding high on the spirit of this blessed month!

We’ve got a little adventure lined up for you!

How about we take a magical journey together to uncover some incredibly unique Ramadan traditions from around the globe?

Trust us, it’s going to be a ride filled with awe and wonder!

Ramadan isn’t just about skipping meals and waiting for sunset. Oh no! It’s a treasure trove of heartwarming traditions that light up the lives of Muslims everywhere with joy and togetherness. From delightful iftar gatherings that break the day’s fast to heartening rituals that knit communities closer, Ramadan is truly the bringer of love, faith, and unity!

And guess what? The fun isn’t exclusive to Indonesia with its bustling ‘bukber’ (communal iftar) scenes and the beloved ‘ngabuburit’ traditions. Across oceans and borders, Muslims celebrate Ramadan with equal fervor, each adding their own local twist to this beautiful month.

So, are you ready to explore these fascinating traditions with us? Let the exploration begins!

1. Malaysia

Let’s start with the unique traditions from our neighboring country, Malaysia!

As closely related neighbors, Malaysia shares many traditions with Indonesia, including the “Ramadan Bazaar,” equivalent to “Pasar Takjil” in Indonesia, where special Ramadan markets are set up in various locations throughout the country. People gather at these bazaars to buy food and drinks for breaking their fast.

Shopping for sweet treats for iftar at the Ramadan markets is especially delightful. In Malaysia, you must try various traditional cakes (talam/kue basah), apam balik, and murtabak. Yes, the last one is similar to Indonesia’s sweet martabak, also known as ‘kue terang bulan.’

2. Brunei Darussalam

Ramadan in Brunei Darussalam is always welcomed with the firing of 12 cannons, signaling the start of this holy month.

Additionally, one eagerly awaited tradition by the people of Brunei Darussalam is the distribution of dates by the Sultan. The Sultan orders special dates from Saudi Arabia, which are then repackaged into 1 kg parcels and labeled as “Kurma Kurnia Sultan” (Sultan’s Gifted Dates). The distribution of these dates ensures every resident of Brunei Darussalam can enjoy dates as part of their iftar meal.

Another unique practice, somewhat similar to communal iftars, is the Bruneian tradition of breaking the fast together at restaurants. They refer to this as ‘sungkai’.

3. China

The largest Muslim community in China is the Hui Muslims, who are an ethnic Chinese group that follows Islam.

In some regions, especially in the Uighur-dominated area of Xinjiang, there are unique culinary traditions during the month of Ramadan. Specialty dishes such as polo (spiced rice with meat and vegetables), samsa (meat-filled pastry), and laghman (spiced noodles with meat and vegetables) become popular menu items during iftar.

But Ramadan in China isn’t just about eating great food. The Hui Muslims throw festivals and special events that really bring the community together. Picture evenings filled with the sound of Quran recitations,religious lectures, cultural performances, and of course, lots of sharing food with friends and family!

Overall, the Ramadan traditions in China reflect cultural diversity, religious tolerance, and the spirit of brotherhood among Muslims in the country!

4. Egypt

When Ramadan comes around, Egyptians light Fanous – beautiful lanterns that symbolize unity and joy. Even though this custom is primarily cultural rather than religious in nature, it has become firmly associated with the holy month of Ramadhan and has taken on spiritual importance.

Although there are several versions of the origins of Fanous, one popular story dates to one night during the Fatimid dynasty, when Egyptians received Caliphate Al-Muizz li-Dn Allah when he arrived in Cairo on the first day of Ramadhan.

Military officers ordered villagers to hold candles in the dark streets, enclosing them in wooden frames to prevent them from blowing out, in order to provide an illuminated entrance for the Imam.

These wooden structures evolved into patterned lanterns over time, and they are currently displayed across the country, spreading light during the holy month!

4. Morocco

In the heart of Morocco, Ramadan brings a tradition as comforting as a home-cooked meal. Meet “Harira,” the star of the iftar table, a soup that’s not just food, but a warm hug for the soul during the holy month.

Diving into a bowl of Harira, you’ll find a rich tapestry of flavors. The base sings with the tang of tomatoes, the earthiness of lentils and chickpeas, and the subtle sharpness of onions. While traditionally Harira gets its heartiness from lamb or beef, there’s room at the table for everyone with vegetarian versions making waves too!

But the Moroccan Ramadan experience doesn’t stop at Harira. As the sun dips below the horizon, night markets come alive, transforming into a carnival of tastes, scents, and sights. These markets are a feast for the senses, offering everything from mouth watering food to unique finds!

5. Algeria

In Algeria, the tradition of “Chorba,” a soup dish similar to Harira, is very popular during the month of Ramadan.

As the sun sets and the day’s fast ends, families and friends gather around steaming bowls of Chorba. Algerian Chorba, in particular, takes a delightful twist with Chorba Friq, where the usual noodles or rice bow to the wholesome goodness of cracked wheat, or ‘frik,’ adding a rustic texture and nutty flavor that’s uniquely Algerian!

But the Chorba story stretches beyond Algeria’s borders, with each country adding its own local flair. In Tunisia, for example, the Chorba Hamra brings a fiery kick with its spicy harissa base, often enriched with the fresh bounty of the sea, like tender shrimp or flaky fish, offering a piquant contrast to the Algerian version.

Chorba, in all its variations, is not just a dish but a celebration of North African culinary diversity, a warm embrace during the sacred month of Ramadan, and a vibrant highlight of special occasions, uniting people in the joyous tapestry of tradition and taste!

7. Turkey

Straddling two continents, Turkey offers a unique Ramadan experience that melds the best of Asia and Europe. At the heart of this fusion is the cherished tradition of “Iftar Sofrası” – a grand communal feast that transforms the act of breaking fast into a celebration of togetherness and cultural richness.

Imagine as the day wanes and the call to prayer echoes, streets and parks in Turkey transform into vibrant dining halls under the open sky. Families and friends, and sometimes even strangers, come together, spreading out elaborate dining cloths that soon become canvases of culinary delight.

But “Iftar Sofrası” is more than a feast for the stomach; it’s nourishment for the soul. It begins in the most humble and reflective manner, with a few sips of water and a handful of dates, a nod to the tradition set by Prophet Muhammad. This simple act, steeped in gratitude and mindfulness, paves the way for the Maghrib prayer, deepening the communal and spiritual bonds among those gathered.

As the prayer concludes, the air fills with anticipation and the shared meal turns into a symphony of flavors, each dish telling its own story of Turkish heritage and Ramadan’s spirit of generosity and unity.

8. England

In the UK, there’s a tradition called the “Ramadan Tent Project,” where both Muslim and non-Muslim communities come together to break their fast in tents set up by volunteer organizations in various cities.

The “Ramadan Tent Project” is an initiative aimed at providing a space for iftar (breaking of the fast) for those in need during the month of Ramadan.

The main goal of the Ramadan Tent Project is to assist the less fortunate or those unable to break their fast with decent and dignified services. The project also aims to promote a spirit of togetherness, solidarity, and social kindness during Ramadan.

The Ramadan Tent Project is typically run by charity organizations, foundations, religious institutions, or volunteer groups. They set up tents or seating areas in strategic locations, such as around mosques, public places, or densely populated areas. Food and drinks for breaking the fast are usually prepared and served for free to participants.

Beyond providing food and drinks, the Ramadan Tent Project may also organize various social activities, such as distributing grocery packages, health education, fundraising for charity, or cultural and artistic performances. The goal is to offer additional benefits to the community gathered for iftar.

The Ramadan Tent Project has a significant positive impact on the communities it serves. It strengthens social bonds, reduces social gaps, and raises awareness of humanitarian issues and social justice.

9. United States

Across the bustling cities of the United States, from the vibrant streets of New York City to the windy corners of Chicago and the sunny avenues of Los Angeles, a heartwarming tradition known as “Iftar in the Streets” unfolds during the holy month of Ramadan. This unique celebration brings together Muslim and non-Muslim communities alike, creating a mosaic of cultural exchange and mutual understanding under the open sky.

“Iftar in the Streets” is more than just a meal; it’s an open invitation to experience the warmth and inclusivity of Ramadan. Tables laden with dates, water, and a variety of dishes become bridges of friendship and learning, offering a taste of the rich cultural tapestry that defines our world. Through the simple act of breaking bread together, barriers dissolve, fostering a sense of community and shared humanity that lingers long after the last bite.

This tradition stands as a testament to the power of shared traditions and the enduring bonds they forge, making “Iftar in the Streets” a cherished highlight of Ramadan in the United States, celebrated with joy and open hearts by all who gather!

10. Canada

In Canada, there’s a tradition called “Open Iftar” in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver. This event is similar to “Iftar in the Streets” in the United States, where Muslim and non-Muslim communities come together to break their fast and strengthen inter-community ties.

It’s common for members of the Muslim community to share snacks and food parcels with each other. Meanwhile, at Canada’s oldest mosque, people gather as volunteers to distribute free food and clothing to those in need. These activities are carried out throughout the entire month of Ramadan.

Summary

Ramadan is an incredibly special month. It’s not just about fostering a deeper connection with the Almighty; it also knocks on the door of our hearts and touches our humanity, urging us to be more compassionate towards others by sharing.

What’s unique about this month, filled with religious activities, is that it’s also celebrated with a spirit of joy and vibrancy. Through dance and song, decorations, and a plethora of treats that tantalize the taste buds, from sweet snacks to savory spiced dishes, the celebration becomes truly remarkable.

It’s an incredible festivity through and through!

Summary

As you prepare for your test, keep these tips in mind. Practice them, make them a part of your speaking repertoire, and most importantly, believe in your ability to excel. The IELTS Speaking Test is not just an assessment of your current language abilities; it’s an opportunity to demonstrate your potential and commitment to effective communication.

So, go forth with confidence, knowing that you are well-equipped to turn every question into an opportunity to shine!

Best of luck in your IELTS Speaking Test!

At IELC, we teach English the right way

Our goal is to get you speaking in English with fluency and confidence as fast as possible. We want to give you the skills you need to fulfil your potential!

Our experienced teachers will guide you along every step of the learning process to ensure that you are not wasting your time, money, and energy on useless language exercises & wrong methods.