Index

Reliving Ramadan traditions

Reliving Ramadan traditions

Reliving Ramadan traditions

Muslims from around the world observe Ramadan in their unique ways. Every community welcomes the holy month with its distinctive traditions and practices. With the holy month coming to an end, we take a look at some interesting Ramadan customs in different parts of the world:

During the dawn hours in Ramadan, the Musaharati is a common sight in many parts of the Arab world, especially in Lebanon. A Musaharati is a drummer, also referred to as a dawn awakener, who beats his drum just before dawn to wake Muslims for sahoor. Thanks to the Musaharati, people are able to sleep peacefully knowing that they will not miss their sahoor meals.

The history of the Musaharati in the Hijaz dates back many centuries. It seems that his function was part of the social life in the Islamic eras, particularly during Mamluk and Ottoman times.

He has a remarkable voice that fills the air at dawn, calling people to get up, partake of sahoor, prepare for the Fajr prayer and start a fresh day of Ramadan.

Fawanees (Ramadan lanterns)

The Fawanees is mainly an Egyptian tradition, which is now practiced in other Muslim countries as well. The custom has origins in legends and ancient folklores. Many tales of the origins of the lanterns have been narrated.

One story articulates that the Fatimid Caliph Al Hakim Bi Amr Allah wanted to illuminate the streets of Cairo during the magnificent Ramadan nights. So, he ordered all mosque imams to hang lanterns from the minarets of every mosque at iftar as an indication to Muslims to break their fasts and to brighten up the streets. Since that day, the Fawanees have become a regular custom.

Ramadan cannon

The firing of a cannon is a beloved Ramadan tradition carried out yearly in Mecca. The cannon is located on a mountain during the month of Ramadan. A canon ball is shot alerting Muslims at dawn to observe the fast and at nightfall to break their fast.

The origins go back to the 15th century. One story traces the custom to the Hijri year 859 (around 1455), when a Mamluk sultan of Egypt wanted to test a new cannon that he had just received. He fired a ball that exactly coincided with Maghreb time during Ramadan. People then thought this was the sultan’s way of telling them it was time to break their fast.

Egg fights

In Afghanistan, the arrival of Eid is rejoiced in a rather distinctive way. Muslim men and boys gather in parks on the last day of Ramadan and indulge in the game of egg fights, where each participant tries to crack other members’ hard-boiled eggs. In recent times, egg-fights have become less popular than they once were.

Source: Agencies

2026-07-01 (Muharram 1448) №7.


Dialogue or Argument in the Family

Dialogue and argument are similar in meaning. Both involve an exchange of opinions on a specific topic.   However, dialogue is conducted politely, with careful listening and an exchange of knowledge, allowing each person to learn something new. An unworthy argument, however, is more like a...


Encouraging and Supporting Your Husband

Everyone experiences difficult days, problems, or troubles that weigh heavily on his or her spirits. A woman can usually share her feelings with loved ones or friends, complaining and crying, and a warm, intimate conversation can help her feel better and more reassured.   As for most men,...


The Echo of Feminism and the Voice of Faith

In our time, the loud voices of feminism echo even into the hearts of Muslim women.   This echo, rolling across the world, sounds loud and insistent, sometimes so powerful that it can knock down those who have not yet firmly established themselves on the path of truth. On social media, on...


Calling for Truth: The Prophet’s Messages to Rulers

The Prophet’s ﷺ Message to the Ruler of Damascus The Messenger of God ﷺ wrote the following letter to the Governor of Damascus, al-Harith: “In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful! From Muhammad ﷺ, the Messenger of God, to al-Harith bin Abu Shimr. Peace be upon...


The Art of Wearing a Headscarf in the Arab World

The headscarf that Muslim women use to cover their hair and neck reflects their spiritual values, their desire for modesty and their personal connection to religion. Over the centuries, unique traditions have developed in various parts of the Islamic world, each with its own characteristics and...