Sophiya, from Ethiopia, says, “The first day is usually very exciting. Everyone is in a new energy zone. Mostly a sheep is slaughtered, or food is prepared mostly with meat as a display of honor for the guest of Ramadan.”
Sophiya, from Ethiopia, says, “The first day is usually very exciting. Everyone is in a new energy zone. Mostly a sheep is slaughtered, or food is prepared mostly with meat as a display of honor for the guest of Ramadan.”
Ramadan is the most important month in the Islamic lunar calendar, in which millions of Muslims across the world practice the mandatory fasting (Sawm in Arabic) which is the fourth of the five pillars of Islam. The Quran tells us:
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous” (2:183).
For 30 days, healthy adult Muslims are required to stop eating, drinking, and engaging in sexual activity from dawn (Al-Fajr) until sunset (Al-Maghreb), which makes them closer to Allah and helps them purify their souls and bodies.
Allah in Ramadan spreads His mercy on earth, opens the gates of heavens, closes the gates of hellfire, chains the devils, and responds to Muslim invocations throughout the month. Moreover, each night, He frees people from hellfire.
So, Muslims are keen to gain all these benefits and more, thereby they do their best in strengthening their relationship with Allah by spending more time in prayers, reading Quran, and charity, as the Prophet Muhamad (PBUH) used to do.
Narrated by Ibn `Abbas:
“The Prophet (PBUH) was the most generous of all the people, and he used to become more generous in Ramadan when Gabriel met him. Gabriel used to meet him every night during Ramadan to revise the Qur’an with him. Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) then used to be more generous than the fast wind.”
Ramadan is the most beloved guest that all Muslims eagerly wait every year, so when it comes, they warmly welcome it, and celebrate it in a special way, which varies according to different country’s traditions.
Here is how Muslims from different countries usually celebrate the first day of the holy month:
Kufu, from Malaysia, says, “As for most of us, the first day of Ramadan seems a bit special. We used to cook chicken and beef for Suhoor and we do the same for Iftar, besides a few dishes extra like traditional cakes or desserts.”
Basmah, from Egypt, says,
The first day of Ramadan is slightly different from the other days. All family members and relatives are keen to have Iftar together. After Iftar, females pray Isha’a and Traweeh together at home; males perform their Salah in the mosque. Unfortunately, this will not happen this year due to coronavirus.”
Maryam, from Kilakarai, an Indian village, says, “On the first day of Ramadan, after Iftar, we usually go to the mosques to perform Al-Isha’a and Taraweeh prayer together, wearing new dresses. After that, we visit our relatives and neighbors.”
Sophiya, from Ethiopia, says, “The first day is usually very exciting. Everyone is in a new energy zone. Mostly a sheep is slaughtered, or food is prepared mostly with meat as a display of honor for the guest of Ramadan.”
Mariam from Pakistan, says “Like the rest of the days of Ramadan, we remain awake all night till Al-Fajr prayer, praying and reading Quran.”
Tahira, from Sudan, also says “The first day of Ramadan is spent like the rest of the days of Ramadan. Increase in worshiping such as reading Quran, praying all Sunnah Salah, giving Sadaqa, visiting the sick, and visiting family and neighbors.”
“The first day is always the hardest, your body is getting used to the fast and it’s very hot here,” she added.
Sharmine, from Kashmir, says,
There is no decor or Iftar party or anything special for Suhoor on the first day nor the whole month. The only addition for everyday Iftar is dates, fruit salad and a milk drink with basil seeds with usually something fried as snack. People are just thankful to be alive and have food and be able to fast in their homes. If anyone is needy, we help them as we do rest of the year.”
Hadjer, from Algeria, says, “All Ramadan days are special for us. We prepare Iftar with the famous traditional dishes, after having Iftar, men go for performing Tarawih prayer in the mosque, after that we eat some fruits and sweats.”
Sherri, from the U.S., says, “We are reverts, we read Quran, cook iftar together, and try to spend extra time together as a family.”
But, unfortunately, nothing lasts forever. This year, due to the global pandemic, Muslims will not be able to celebrate Ramadan as they used to do for years. Mosques are closed, worships will be practiced at home, relatives, neighbors, and friends will not able to have Iftar or Suhoor together as usual.
Despite this, we pray that Muslims around the world can still find faith and strength in Allah during one of the holiest months of the year. Ramadan Mubarak!
