Ramadan in Many Countries

Ramadan in Many Countries

Ramadan in Spain

In Spain an Agreement of Cooperation between the Spanish State and the
Islamic Commission of Spain was established in 1992 and approved as Law
26/1992. The law affirms in article 12.1 that: "Members of the Islamic
Communities belonging to the Islamic Commission of Spain who desire,
will be able to request the interruption of their work on Friday of
each week, from 1 P.M. to 4.20 P.M., as well as finishing work one hour
before sunset, during the month of Ramadan".

The celebration of Ramadan acquires a special importance in all
Spanish cities — like Madrid, Barcelona and Catalonia — where numerous
Muslim communities reside. Muslims get together to break their fast and
they organize social meetings in the mosques. Amin Villoch, a Spanish
Muslim, illustrates this: "The first day of Ramadan more than 9,000
Muslims gather at the mosques in Madrid to celebrate the breaking of
the fast. Ramadan is an important factor in reuniting the community.
The Islamic Center of Madrid always prepares many activities during
this month for them."

After the Maghrib prayers, the mosque becomes a place of festivity.
Everyone eats harrisa (an oriental sweet) and dates; Ramadan treats
which no Muslim house lacks. "Women spend all day preparing typical
food to offer to their relatives and friends whom they meet at the
mosque," explains Amira Masaad. "The first day of Ramadan is a special
day. Although, it's difficult being far away from my family, the mosque
organizes events and activities to bring the Muslim community in Spain
together."

Other activities that Spanish mosques organize during Ramadan
include Arabic classes, Islamic culture classes and Qur'an and Hadith
discussions.

Ramadan in Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

In Nicaragua, approximately 300 Palestinian, Jordanian, Iraqi, Libyan
and Nigerian citizens, as well as Nicaraguans; all faithful Muslims,
celebrate the month of the Ramadan. In 1999, Muslims established a
mosque in Cuidad Jardin. Ahmed Hajjami, a Muslim who has resided in
Nicaragua for 6 years, assured us that approximately 300 faithful
Muslims, celebrate Ramadan in Nicaragua.

"We begin at half past five in the morning. There isn't any
difference in complying with Ramadan in Nicaragua or any other part of
the world," he said.

Nevertheless, he emphasized that given the characteristics of
Nicaragua, it is more difficult to carry out Ramadan's obligations.
"One of the main obstacles is the time to pray, on some occasions we
only pray in the morning and at night, it is almost impossible to pray
the other three times," he explained. For Muslims in Nicaragua, the
renewal of faith during this period is the main celebration. Ramadan is
not a month of penitence by fasting, but of festivals with banquets,
gifts and new clothes .

Ramadan in China

For Muslims in China, Ramadan is traditionally a period of fraternity, solidarity and Islamic charity.

Li Xan is a Chinese student who studies engineering at the
Universidad Del Desarrollo in Chile. He has been living with his father
in Chile for 3 years now. However, he remembers how his family used to
celebrate Ramadan in China. "During Ramadan, my father would get up at
4 o'clock in the morning, and an hour later he'd arrive at the Mosque
of Niujie, in the center of Beijing, just in time for the dawn prayer."

For Muslims in China, Ramadan is traditionally a period of fraternity, solidarity and Islamic charity.

"Every day in Ramadan, we attended all the five prayers at the
mosque. My father's friends understood our commitment, and when he was
occupied with a lot of work they would help him to do it so that he
could be punctual for prayers," Li explained.

Li is among more than 20 million Chinese Muslims that live by
Ramadan's obligations, continuing strictly the Islamic doctrines,
praying five times a day in mosques and abstaining from eating and
drinking from dawn to dusk.

According to the Islamic Association of China, Chinese Muslims have
convenient access to prayer services as there are more than 34,000
mosques throughout the country.

"Since the foundation of the Peoples Republic of China in 1949, the
rights and religious liberty of the Muslims have been protected by the
constitution and the law," he states.

The Niujie Mosque, built in 996, and that of Dongsi, 500 years old,
are the two most famous mosques in the capital. The Niujie Mosque is an
important center for Islamic Studies and operates a Qur'an school.
During the last five decades years, the government has assigned special
funds for the repair of these buildings because of their historical
importance.

Beijing has over 900 Muslim restaurants and food stores. Some
supermarkets sell food especially for followers of Islam. "Thanks to
the social stability and the fast economic growth of the country,
Chinese Muslims enjoy a peaceful Ramadan. Many Muslims share
traditional food with their neighbors, and distribute gifts to poorer
Muslims," noted Hang Xian a 61-year-old Chinese Muslim trader.

Wherever you are, Ramadan is undoubtedly a most special month.

Ramadan in Burma

The Muslims of Burma welcome the blessed month of Ramadan with esteem,
joy and happiness. The sighting of the crescent is a great thing, as
all of them go to high places to see the crescent for themselves. In
the month of Ramadan, people gather in the mosque to recite the Qur'an
in the day and for Tarawih and Tahajud (late night) Prayers in the
night. Most people in Burma also do 'I`tikaf (seclusion in the mosque
during the last ten days of Ramadan).

In the nights of Ramadan, the markets and shops are closed because
everybody is busy with their worship. In Burma, people sleep
immediately after Tarawih Prayer and do not stay awake until Fajr time.
After the Fajr Prayer they set forth to their work.

Muslims first break their fast with dates and water. And they break
it in a marvelous way such as reading poems of different kinds. Their
foods are many. Local foods include lury fera, a special dish of bread,
rice and chicken.

Their way of celebrating the `Eid is no different from that of
other countries because it is an Islamic occasion. Thus it is
celebrated according to the Prophetic tradition. There is no culture or
custom that goes against the Islamic practice.

Ramadan in The Comoros Islands

The Comoros are found off the east coast of Africa, between Mozambique and Madagascar.

On the coast of the Islands, the Muslims keep awake till the
morning time. The Muslims of the Comoros rejoice to welcome the blessed
month of Ramadan from the beginning of the month of Sha`ban. In
Ramadan, they decorate the mosques with lamps and gather there to
perform prayer and recite the Glorious Qur'an. Also, they give out
charity and increase their good deeds.

On the first night of Ramadan, people go out of their houses to the
coast with their lamps in their hands. The rays of their lit lamps
reflect on the sea, and they beat their drums to announce the arrival
of Ramadan and remain there until midnight.

Among the well-known foods of the Comoros are soup, meat, mango,
and so on. The people drink the juice of pineapple and other fruits.


Ramadan in Germany

Together with believers in Muslim countries throughout the world,
Muslims living in Germany have entered the month of Ramadan. Ramadan in
Germany takes place in a totally different atmosphere than in countries
with a Muslim majority. Public and social life continues with the same
speed and the running of the day does not know any interruptions, like
for the Iftar. A difference also lies in the length of the day in
Germany, which is a challenge in the summer, but is quite short in the
winter period. This year the sun rises roughly at 8 am and sets at 4
pm.


Only those of the estimated 3.5 Million Muslims living in Germany,
who live in one of the Islamic quarters of Berlin or the Ruhr area with
a high percentage of Muslims living there might be reminded of the
empty streets of Cairo or Istanbul during Iftar. Ali Ozkan, a Muslim
from Berlin, was quoted by the Islamic Newspaper saying that it was a
sign of this blessed month that the social life of Muslims becomes more
noticeable than during the rest of the year. That food is offered
everywhere and people eating and drinking can be seen during the day
also changes the atmosphere but is not a major obstacle. Non-practicing
Muslims prefer Ramadan in Western countries arguing that as Muslims
there live in a minority the decision whether or not to fast becomes
personal without any social pressure from others.

Shift-working Muslims have to use their pauses to break the fasting.
Arrangements probably can be made especially as large companies who
employ large numbers of Muslims handle these issues with pragmatism.
But they preferred to spend the Iftar at home with their families and
friends in a nicer atmosphere.

Those who are settled abroad without their families gather in their
national communities to celebrate. Open-minded Germans participate in
these gatherings and seek to understand the beliefs of Muslims. Some
also join the fasting for a couple of days to get to know the feeling
of it. In fact, Hasan Ozdogan, the head of the Islamic council in
Germany said in a message that many communities would also invite their
non-Muslim neighbors for the Iftar.

amadan in Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the greatest Muslim countries. The Malaysian Muslims
receive the month of Ramadan with great joy and unequalled happiness.
They change their style of living during this honorable month. Reciting
the Ever-Glorious Qur'an, remembering Allah and staying at mosques are
their main concern. On the few last days of Sha`ban, Muslims of
Malaysia prepare themselves for receiving Ramadan. They prepare mosques
for prayer and buy their necessities of food. On the 29th night of
Sha`ban, the Ministry of Religious Affairs tries to sight the new moon.
When the sighting is established, the ministry declares it via mass
media. Muslims exchange congratulations due to the advent of Ramadan.
On this great occasion, the local authorities sprinkle streets with
water, clean yards and public squares and hang electric lamps in the
main streets.

As for the way of receiving Ramadan in the countryside, Muslims
there celebrate the occasion through gathering at mosques and
congratulating one another. Also, they exchange meals of breaking the
fast.


The rich and well-to-do traders normally establish feasts for
providing meals of the breaking of the fast at mosques and in the
streets.

Truly, the Malaysian community is distinguished with special kinds of meals.

Mostly, all family members attend prayer in the mosque regularly.
Schools for teaching the Qur'an are widespread all over the country.
The government encourages these schools which intensify their courses
during this month. They teach Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence) , Tafsir
(Exegesis of the Qur'an), the Islamic Creed, the Arabic language
besides the Ever-Glorious Qur'an. The Malaysians conclude the month of
Ramadan with completing reciting the Honorable Qur'an in mosques,
schools, TV, Radio, etc. Then, they make other celebrations for
receiving the blessed `Eid Al-Fitr.

Ramadan in India


Indian people prepare themselves for Ramadan on the last day of
Sha`aban, when the fatwa committee there go for sighting the crescent
of Ramadn after Sunset Prayer. On announcing the following day to be
the first day of Ramadan, people begin to phone their relatives and
friends, congratulating one another for the blessed month. Then they go
for Taraweeh Prayer, and some people show more keenness on Taraweeh
Prayer than on the prescribed Prayers and observe it steadfastly,
especially at the beginning of the month and also when the month ends.


The number of people who perform Taraweeh Prayer redoubles in the 27th
night of Ramadan, being considered the Night of Power. Also their
number increase in the night when the Imam is about to complete the
Qur'an. One of the habits of the Indians in Ramadan is also retreating
in mosques for worship during the last ten days of Ramadan.

There are some special dishes prepared in Ramadan in India, such as
"Ghangui" a kind of soup, made of floor, rice and slices of meat. It's
very useful in breaking one's fasting with as it quenches thirst and
produces energy. This soup is served in every mosque. Also there is
"Harir" a kind of drink to be taken at Iftar. The Indians also like to
eat different fruits in Ramadan.

At the end of Ramadan, people begin to prepare themselves for the
`Eid El-Fitr; it is actually the greatest feast for Muslims in the
India. Early in the morning of `Eid, men take shower and wear white
clothes, then they go for `Eid Prayer after they eat some sweets. At
home, women go on preparing special sweets for the feast, which they
call `Eid Kah. Then they present it to their husbands after returning
from the mosque. All people wear colorful and elegant dresses and
receive visitors. They also exchange `Eid cards.

Ramadan in Japan

Muslims of Japan share their brothers all over the Muslim world the happiness of receiving Ramadan.

Muslims in Japan prepare themselves for receiving Ramadan long time
before its coming. A permanent committee called "the Committee of
Ramadan and the two Feasts" has been formed in the Islamic center for
discussing preparation for Ramadan. The committee starts its work with
sighting the new moon. Mostly, it is too overcast to be seen. In such
case, we follow Malaysia, the nearest Islamic country to us. Then, when
it's confirmed that the new moon has been sighted, the center declares
that to the public. The center takes on its shoulder answering
questions of Japanese Muslims concerning the new moon, times of
Prayers, Fasting, etc.

On this occasion, they always publish a calendar showing times of
prayers and the approximate times for refraining from eating and
drinking at dawn and breaking fast at sunset during Ramadan. The center
distributes this calendar to mosques, and various Islamic gatherings
and meetings all over Japan. Another calendars are distributed to
restaurants that sell Halal (lawful) food. Obviously, the center as
well as all the other Islamic gatherings makes the necessary
preparations for receiving this blessed month properly. Working for
Islam is activated during this month which is the best of months and
one of the distinctive features of the Muslim Ummah.

Ramadan in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is one of the hottest spots in the world with the
temperature reaching more than 40° C (104° F) in summer. Even when it
falls in summer, Ramadan is still one of the most beloved seasons in
the country.

After the Communist Revolution, a fierce attack was waged against religion.

Mosques were closed, prayer was banned, and Muslims could no longer
fast or make Hajj due to the strict reign of the Communist authorities.

Now with the coming of leniency and the end of oppression, Muslims
have regained their joy in their religion and seize the chance of the
holy month to gather for iftar.

gathering starts with reciting the Qur'an and supplicating
Allah to bless the host and his family. After they have finished
eating, the guests and host rush to the mosque to perform `Isha Prayer
and Taraweeh. What a great feeling to be free!

Ramadan in Tanzania

In Tanzania, the month of Ramadan has a special place in the minds
of people as they prepare for Ramadan right from the middle of Sha`ban,
as they bedeck the streets with decorations and electric lights, and
also beautify the mosque and all the neighboring shops. Then they
exchange visits and gifts between families.

As preparation for the month of Ramadan, most Muslims fast on
Mondays and Thursdays in the month of Sha`ban until Ramadan comes when all of them will fast, starting from children of twelve years up to the
old people. Those who do not pray are called atheists, pagans and
unbelievers. It is regarded as an enormity and punishable under the law
for a Muslim to eat during the day in Ramadan and to be seen on the
street eating. All the shops are always closed in the daytime. Even the
cafeterias in the hotels are not to be opened except after the sunset
prayer, and even a non-Muslim is ashamed of eating in the daytime
during Ramadan.

Some of the foods used to break fast are dates, water sweetened with sugar, coffee, rice, fish and vegetables.

Ramadan in Turkey

With happiness, the Turkish people welcome Ramadan. In fact, this
great people still proving steadfastness and love for this great
religion that encompasses all aspects of life.

Ramadan has come, light the minarets and feel joy." This is what
occurs at the advent of Ramadan in Turkey from the Maghrib prayer till
the early hours in the morning. The Chief of the Authority of Religious
Affairs in Turkey says: "We have about 77 thousand mosques in Turkey,
for we cannot live without mosques or minarets."

Taraweeh, reciting the Holy Qur'an and making Religious Book Fair
in the Olo Jami`(Turkey' s Greatest Mosque) in Ankara and Sultan Ahmad
Mosque in Istanbul are among the signs of welcoming the month.

After Traweeh is finished, candy is distributed to children who
participated in prayer as a way of encouraging them to repeat the deed.

In ordinary days, the local radio and TV known as TRT1-TV
broadcasts a religious program of a quarter of an hour. In Ramadan, two
religious programs are broadcast before Iftar and Suhoor in addition to
many TV serials in various times of the day as a way of celebrating the
blessed month.

Ramadan in Sweden

Islam has spread all over the world, so that it became the second religion in Sweden and other countries in the Northern Pole.

As for the problem that face Muslims here, it is the issue of sighting
the new moon of Ramadan; this causes a lot of problem and stirs
arguments due to the lack of a center body on which all Muslims will
rely for this important issue. Yes, there is an Islamic center here,
but its services cannot cover all Muslims dispersed in different
places, besides, the Swedish media renders no assistance. However,
people mostly follow the crescent sighting in Makkah, to know the
beginning of Ramadan and the day of `Eid.

There is a big difference between the way of celebrating Ramadan in all
Scandinavian countries and in other European countries, because the
number of Muslim minority in the former is somehow lower than the
number of Muslims in the latter. Yet, despite the few number of Muslims
here in Sweden, Ramadan forms a very special spiritual occasion, which
all Muslims nail-bitingly wait for from year to year. No sooner had the
Muslim scholars sighted the crescent of Ramadan than people begin to
congratulate one another and set forth to perform Taraweeh Prayer at
the nearest mosque, or say, some places hired by Muslims for prayer,
for there are no mosques. In these places, Muslims hold sessions in
which they remember Allah throughout Ramadan.

Ramadan in Thailand

Muslims in Thailand form one-third of the Thai people. Because of the
huge manifestations of celebrating the month of Ramadan, aThai citizen
feels as if the number of Muslims doubles everyday.

During Ramadan, a new mosque is inaugurated mostly in every city and in
every village. All the year round, Muslims of each city collect money
for establishing the new mosque which is usually opened in the month of
Ramadan. People here are keen on working by themselves in building
these mosques. Memorizers of the Ever-Glorious Qur'an are happily
carried on shoulders to be examples for the rest of Muslims and to
encourage the youngsters to memorize the Glorious Qur'an as well.

In the first day of Ramadan, each Thai Muslim family even the poor
families are keen on slaughtering in commemoration with the coming of
this blessed month. Obviously, slaughtering in the first day of fasting
is a Thai habit that has been witnessed and still a long time ago.

Among the beautiful manifestations of this month is that people, here,
used to have the meal of breaking the fast in groups; the matter which
is considered to be a kind of good treatment and sincere love. The Thai
Muslims incline towards having large amounts of fruits during this
month. Interestingly enough, spending the month of Ramadan in their
country is normally among the habits of the Thai Muslims. Thus, most
travelers, overseas workers and even students who study abroad usually
come back to spend the month of Ramadan with their families

Ramadan in Austria

There is about 150,000 Muslims of different nationalities in Austria;
among them are Arab, Turkish and others. Exactly the case in Muslim
countries, Muslims celebrate Ramadan by observing Islamic rites, like
performing Taraweeh Prayer at about fifty mosques in Vienna and other
Austrian cities. Muslims there also go to the mosques regularly to
listen to religious lectures on Islamic jurisprudence, exegesis of the
Qur'an and other sciences.

However, mosques differ in their way of celebrating Ramadan. As regard
the Islamic Center in Vienna, established and funded by Muslim
countries, services go on in full swing, as sermons are delivered and
lectures given by a group of reverent Muslim scholars from Al-Azhar and
other places, Taraweeh Prayers are performed regularly. Moreover, the
center provides a breakfast for Muslims throughout the month.

There are also other Islamic centers and mosques financed by the
Turkish community in Austria. Such centers provide Muslim communities
in Austria with Islamic books, and they also provide meats and chicken
slaughtered on the Islamic way.

The Egyptian club in Austria also plays a great role in gathering the
Austrian-based Egyptians together during Ramadam on breakfast banquets.
When Ramadan ends, all Muslim communities gather in the Islamic center
to celebrate `Eid after performing `Eid Prayer. Such celebration is a
special occasions for Muslims there to get together in the atmosphere
of love and brotherliness.

Ramadan in Pakistan

With the coming of Ramadan, Pakistani citizens make `Umrah their first
concern. Though straitened may be their circumstances, they never lose
such a chance.

In Pakistan, Friday markets are everywhere to provide people with their
basic needs at low prices. Pakistani women begin preparing Iftar at a
very early time of the day in addition to some light drinks and meals.
After Taraweeh, supper is offered which is mostly a good spicy meal.

During the last ten days, the case is different as men gather together
to have Suhoor in nearby mosques. Before Suhoor time, they begin
reciting and studying the Qur'an.

Days before `Eid Al-Fitr (Lesser Bairam) candy is distributed and
markets are open around the hour so that people can get their needs for
`Eid.

Before `Eid Prayer begins, Pakistani people wear new clothes and head
to the public playground to perform `Eid Prayer. Kissing one another
and exchanging congratulations the Pakistanis show their joy with the
coming of the Lesser Bairam, `Eid Mubarak.

Ramadan in Austria

There is about 150,000 Muslims of different nationalities in Austria;
among them are Arab, Turkish and others. Exactly the case in Muslim
countries, Muslims celebrate Ramadan by observing Islamic rites, like
performing Taraweeh Prayer at about fifty mosques in Vienna and other
Austrian cities. Muslims there also go to the mosques regularly to
listen to religious lectures on Islamic jurisprudence, exegesis of the
Qur'an and other sciences.

However, mosques differ in their way of celebrating Ramadan. As regard
the Islamic Center in Vienna, established and funded by Muslim
countries, services go on in full swing, as sermons are delivered and
lectures given by a group of reverent Muslim scholars from Al-Azhar and
other places, Taraweeh Prayers are performed regularly. Moreover, the
center provides a breakfast for Muslims throughout the month.

There are also other Islamic centers and mosques financed by the
Turkish community in Austria. Such centers provide Muslim communities
in Austria with Islamic books, and they also provide meats and chicken
slaughtered on the Islamic way.

The Egyptian club in Austria also plays a great role in gathering the
Austrian-based Egyptians together during Ramadam on breakfast banquets.
When Ramadan ends, all Muslim communities gather in the Islamic center
to celebrate `Eid after performing `Eid Prayer. Such celebration is a
special occasions for Muslims there to get together in the atmosphere
of love and brotherliness.

Ramadan in Pakistan

With the coming of Ramadan, Pakistani citizens make `Umrah their first
concern. Though straitened may be their circumstances, they never lose
such a chance.

In Pakistan, Friday markets are everywhere to provide people with their
basic needs at low prices. Pakistani women begin preparing Iftar at a
very early time of the day in addition to some light drinks and meals.
After Taraweeh, supper is offered which is mostly a good spicy meal.

During the last ten days, the case is different as men gather together
to have Suhoor in nearby mosques. Before Suhoor time, they begin
reciting and studying the Qur'an.

Days before `Eid Al-Fitr (Lesser Bairam) candy is distributed and
markets are open around the hour so that people can get their needs for
`Eid.

Before `Eid Prayer begins, Pakistani people wear new clothes and head
to the public playground to perform `Eid Prayer. Kissing one another
and exchanging congratulations the Pakistanis show their joy with the
coming of the Lesser Bairam, `Eid Mubarak.

Ramadan in Cairo

By every dawn and every sunset, the Egyptian citizens hear the boom of
an old canon, declaring the time for breaking the fast (Iftar) and the
time for stopping eating (Imsaak).

The canon known as "Hajjah Fatimah" is an inheritance from the old day
of Muhammad Ali Pasha or, according to some traditions, goes back to
the days of an Ottoman governor called Khosh Qadam.

Though the canon itself has been changed and replaced with a new one,
the name remained unchanged. Now the canon is placed on the plateau of
Moqattam near to the Citadel. Four men are there to take care of the
canon and use it to alarm people that it is time for Iftar or Imsaak.

Ramadan in Mauritania

At the beginning of Ramadan, Mauritanians especially the youth
hasten to perform regular prayers at their appointed times in Mosques.
It is worth stressing here that Mauritanians start celebrating the
month of Ramadan as soon as the month of Rajab draws to a close.

In Mauritania, it is no wonder to see the haves, especially the stingy,
showing sympathy towards the have-nots during Ramadan. The sense of
solidarity and backing the poor is widely spread.

During the nights of Ramadan, the `Isha and Taraweeh prayers are aired
live from the Two Holy Shrines of Makkah and Al-Madinah. After prayer
people usually set at ease to listen to religious lessons and heart
softeners from the reliable scholars and Imams in addition to reciting
the Qur'an and listening to it.

After prayer, it is easier to see people visiting one another and drinking Green Tea, which is a common drink in Mauritania.

Ramadan in Morocco

In Morocco as well as in other Muslim countries, Ramadan has a special
taste. During weekends, Moroccans residing in big cities travel to the
countryside to enjoy fresh air and practice joyful sports.

Civil servants are permitted to leave work as soon as they hear "Allahu
Akbar," Allah is the Greatest. In addition, it is dominant to see
people treating one another kindly and an atmosphere of compassion,
forsaking the fake glory of this worldly life encompasses all.

In Morocco, the Night of Qadr, is characterized by a special occasion.
The father accompanies his male children after breaking the fast to the
Mosque in order to pray `Isha and Taraweeh in congregation. Female
children, on the other hand remain in the house rejoicing with
neighbors until the father comes back home. Upon the father's return,
all rejoice and go sightseeing in the city's capital.