RAMADAN 1437 (II) ON RAMADAN ‘FUN’

Despite the relative “seriousness” of this blessed month, Ramadan can also be a month of fun and merriment. Here in Hausaland, and in the Hausa Diaspora all over Africa, Tashe (a sort of masquerade) is played by children (and even adults) when the month reaches ten to fifteen. Traditional plays, songs and dances are performed. […]

Despite the relative “seriousness” of this blessed month, Ramadan can also be a month of fun and merriment. Here in Hausaland, and in the Hausa Diaspora all over Africa, Tashe (a sort of masquerade) is played by children (and even adults) when the month reaches ten to fifteen. Traditional plays, songs and dances are performed. Similarly, Sallah Durbars in Hausaland are almost unique in the Muslim world.
One would wonder how other Muslim cultures around the world celebrate the fun that is Ramadan. A search on this subject led this Column to the site yumtoyikes.com on which a writer Sadaf Sher shares ten Ramadan traditions from various countries around the world (although mostly limited to Asia and the Middle East). (For the full article and fascinating pictures, visit <http://yumtoyikes.com/2016/06/10/ramadan-traditions-around-world/>). Excerpts:
/Lists <http://yumtoyikes.com/lists/>
Ramadan is without doubt the best period of a Muslim’s life. It’s not just about abstaining from food; rather it’s more about detoxification of one’s mind, body and soul. It’s about getting rid of the bad habits and taking a fresh start – aiming to be a better Muslim. Muslims observe fasts in the same manner all across the world, yet Ramadan customs vary from place to place. Interesting Ramadan traditions can be observed around the world.
Makkah, Saudi Arabia – The Cannon: In the holy city of Makkah, a fascinating activity is marked each Ramadan day, where a cannon ball is shot at dawn to alert people of the end of Sahur and the start of the day’s fast, while the same procedure is held at sundown (Iftar) giving green signal to break the fast. Its origin, it is said, dates back to Hijri year 859, when the sultan of Egypt shot a cannon that he had just received in order to test it. It was Maghreb time when he fired the cannonball. So the people thought that this was the Sultan’s way of telling worshippers that it was time to break the fast. Since then, this custom is linked to Ramadan and is carried out every year in many places, but particularly in Makkah.
Egypt – Ramadan Lanterns: Popularly known as ‘Fanous’, the lanterns are a traditional hit in Egypt. Ramadan celebrations are marked each year by decorating streets with these lanterns. It is said that in 969 when Caliph Moezz Eddin arrived in Cairo, hundreds of these lanterns were lit to welcome him. Ever since, it has become one of the traditions of Ramadan in Egypt. It is also stated that the Fatimid Caliph Al-Hakim bi Amr Al-Lah wanted the streets of Cairo to be well-lit at night during the holy month of Ramadan with these famous fanous lanterns. There are many variations to the fanous story.
Pakistan – Iftar Recipes: At the end of a long day, people can’t wait to get their hands on the beloved samosas, pakoras and chaat. Nothing can beat oh-so-savory snacks, neither can any other dish fulfill the appetite of a Pakistani. Though now well aware of the health implications, the majority of Pakistanis still get their wish fulfilled by munching on these delightful snacks. Apart from that, arranging iftar parties is also one of the Ramadan customs in Pakistan.
Turkey – The Drums: Towards the end of the night, about an hour or so before dawn, drummers dressed in traditional Ottoman attires wander through the streets beating their drums fervently in order to wake the people for Sahur. This drumming tradition dates back long into the Ottoman Empire. However, to ensure order and uniformity, a few years ago official costumes for these drummers were introduced. This tradition is also celebrated in many countries of the world, but it is thought it originated from Turkey.
Maldives – Raivaru: Ramadan practices in Maldives, locally known as “Roadha Mas” start with full zeal and enthusiasm. During the iftar, various local dishes are prepared for example, ‘kulhi boakibaa’ (fish cake), ‘foniboakiba’ (a flour cake) and ‘gulha’ (fish balls). After iftar, the poets are then asked to recite Raivaru, which is Ramadan related poetry. This Maldivian ancient and traditional form of poetry is greatly adored by the locals. It comprises of three or more lines with the distinct rhythmic pattern of poetry. Competitions are held to determine who recites better Raivaru. But it happens only after Iftar, for obvious reasons!
Comoros – Social Vibrancy: As compared to the normal routine, the people of Comoros become more social in Ramadan and vibrancy can be observed in the surroundings. Once the fast is broken, people head towards the public places called “bangwé”. From there, they move on towards mosques, where they are served with coffee and dates. After that people go home to have a healthy meal which mainly includes fish, fried bananas, meat skewers and pancakes. Interestingly in Comoros, a newly-wed husband’s family is invited over for dinner in the bride’s family home, as in that part of the world, the couple lives at the bride’s house after marriage.
Algeria – The Waking Nights: A fascinating fact about this Muslim country is that the people of Algeria break their normal routines and stay up all night during Ramadan. Markets are open all night, and streets are quite active. People buy stuff from stalls and wander around chatting with each other. They also arrange religious festivities at night, all these activities carry-on till Suhur. Due to this night activity, the next day’s work day naturally starts a few hours late.
Iraq – The Ring Game: In Iraq, a very popular outdoor pastime called “the ring game” is played during the nights of the month of Ramadan. It’s a game where two teams are formed, each consisting of 10 or 20 people. One member of the team hands over some rings to another member of his team, and the opposite team has to guess who could possibly be hiding them. People usually give themselves away by blushing. The winning team is that which identifies the ring-hider the most. But now, because of the security situation, some of these games are played indoors, which of course reduces the spectacle of spectators.
Morocco – Preparing Ahead: While most of the countries start Ramadan preparations just one or two days ahead of the holy month, Moroccans start such practices two or three weeks ahead of it. People paint their houses, clean them and shine their kitchen utensils. They also start inviting their friends and relatives to feasts, to arouse the atmosphere of the holy month prior to it.
Qatar – Garangao: This is a traditional fun activity for children (akin to Hausa Tashe) held each year on the 14th day of Ramadan. The day, halfway through the month, celebrates and is a great source of motivation for them. After Maghrib prayers on this day, children wear their traditional Qatari dresses and carry decorated bags and walk around their neighborhood, singing their traditional Garangao songs. They accompany the songs with striking stones together to create musical rhythm. Garangao comes from the word ‘Gara’, meaning ‘sound of stones knocking together.’ Children are then given sweets and nuts.
Ramadan is a beautiful month that should be celebrated, and children should have fun and merriment, peace and tranquility, love and affection. Alas! Sadly, for many in Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan, Libya, etc, there is no fun this Ramadan. Inna lilLahi wa inna ilaiHi raji’un!