People who practice Ramadan usually engage in similar practices, especially in this part of the world. Here are some of the essentials that are most commonly seen in Muslim households around the globe.
While the focus of Ramadan is often abstinence from food and water, the month is also considered the most sacred in the Islamic calendar. This means that Muslims try to make the most of it by praying and engaging in the remembrance of Allah as much as they can. Taraweeh is a voluntary prayer held after the last prayer of the day, which people often carry out in mosques or in large groups.
The Qur'an is the Holy Book for Muslims, and it's encouraged to recite as much of it as possible during Ramadan. It's common for people to attempt to finish reading the entire Qur'an in the month of Ramadan by reading one out of 30 parts of it each day for the whole month. Muslims believe that the reward for reading the Holy Qur'an during Ramadan increases several-fold.
READ MORE: Learn about Ramadan & its significance
Households buy dates and water in abundance for the month of Ramadan because these are the two things that the fast should preferably be broken with, according to the example of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Once the basics are covered, people go on to eat delicious, vibrant varieties of food such as samosas, fried foods, machboos, vine leaves, biryani, varieties of salads and soups, sweets like knafeh, baklava and so much more!
Vimto is another must-have at the Iftar table! It's a sweet grape and berry-flavoured syrup mixed with water, and is quite popular all over the Middle East and in several other countries. Rooh-afza is another rose-flavoured syrup that is pretty popular among the South Asian community.
READ MORE: #QTip: Top 5 Ramadan sweet drinks!
Iftar and Sohour parties are a big deal in Ramadan, no matter which part of the world you're in. In Qatar, it varies from house parties to restaurants to Iftar and Sohour tents in hotels.
People host gatherings at their house with feasts laid out and often prepare an arrangement to pray as well. Naturally, these are great occasions to spend time with friends and family and build a strong sense of community.
READ MORE: Iftar & Sohour offers in Qatar for Ramadan 2023
Giving is a big part of the spirit of Ramadan. People often tend to pay zakat, which is compulsory for Muslims to pay in order to purify their wealth. People also give more than just the required charity – either by donating to organizations or to people.
Iftars are arranged for the less fortunate, sometimes in tents or even in homes. People prepare food from home and arrange for it to be given to people in the vicinity. Mosques around the country also arrange for small free meals at Iftar time, so people who come to pray can avail of them. Small packages are also given away on roads and traffic lights at sunset for anyone who might be late to break their fast.
READ MORE: Ways to donate in Qatar
Be it respecting one other more and not fighting, not speaking harshly and back-biting, or respecting those who are fasting and speaking nicely to each other, Ramadan is a month when people purify their behaviours, in addition to abstaining from food and drink.
READ MORE: What are the do's and don'ts of etiquette in Qatar
What Ramadan traditions do you celebrate with your family and friends? Drop us a line and let us know in the comment section below. Also, don't forget to give us a like and a share – it keeps us going!
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