Ramadan 2018- 5 Beautiful Ramadan Traditions Around The World

The month of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar is filled with very delightful and enjoyable customs to Muslims worldwide that are not known to many. Islam is an ancient religion that has already blended with different traditions from one region to another, making the celebrations unique and vibrant in every country.

* Ramadan Greeting

As Ramadan month begins, people wish each other by saying ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ on the first day. This is the most common greeting by Muslims as it translates to 'Have a blessed Ramadan'. Happy Ramadan is also an acceptable greeting worldwide.

* Breaking of the fast

Every country has its special Ramadan delicacy served during Iftar. Muslims in the Middle Eastern region break their fast by eating dates and a little water. Iftar is the evening meal when Muslims start to break their fast after the sun sets.

* Touching the door of Kaaba

Muslim worshippers from all over the world would plan at least one time in their lives to go to Makkah, Saudi Arabia to touch the door of Kaaba, Islam’s most sacred site.

* Lighting the 'Fanous'

One of the most captivating colours of Ramadan are the 'fanous' or lanterns from old Cairo. The tradition of lighting of lanterns is believed to have been used to light the path of Caliph Moezz Eddin Allah in Cairo in the year 969 AD. People lighted the path along his journey across the city, to the Mokattam mountain for Ramadan’s moon sighting.

* Playing Al Siniya

In Kirkuk, Iraq, a folk game called 'Al Siniya', an Arabic term meaning tray, is often played during the month of Ramadan. Men would gather around to play this hours-long game after having iftar with friends and family. The object of the game is for players to find the hidden dice under one of the several overturned copper cups on a tray.