Rituals and traditions followed during Ramadhan

MUSCAT: The rituals of the holy month of Ramadhan vary from one country to another, starting from moon-sighting, keep-fasting from the first day until the last day. These rituals are reflected in the customs and traditions practiced by the community or in the practices of the individual families, inside and outside the home, including sharing of meals, visits to families and other things. There are certain rituals during the holy month of Ramadhan in the Sultanate, starting with moon-sighting where everyone awaits the announcement by media of the beginning of the holy month. The same applies to the end of the month as everybody awaits the announcement of the first day of Eid Al Fitr. If the moon was seen, people gather in mosques for evening and Taraweeh prayers. After finishing the prayer, they greet and congratulate each other on the occasion of the advent of the holy month. They also visit their relatives. With regard to Ramadhan rituals in our community it is the collective breakfast in mosques and the gathering of family members in the oldest member’s house. Families early prepare themselves for the holy month of Ramadhan through buying food supplies they need to prepare the usual meals in the month of Ramadhan. Some of the wilayats of the Sultanate, particularly in the Governorate of Muscat, as it marks the mid-of-Ramadhan night, where kids tour the allies of their neighbourhoods, celebrating what’s locally named “Qarankashoh,” a habit, which is practiced in several GCC states, but under different naming. Many traditional markets are held in several wilayats across the Sultanate, some are well-known weekly markets, like Wednesday market, Thursday market or Monday market. Others are held throughout the year, like Muttrah market, Nizwa market, the Central Market in the Governorate of Dhofar and other markets. Seasonal markets are also held and on religious events only (Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha) and are locally called ‘Habta Market,’ which is held on fixed date known to the people. ‘Habta Market’ is an old practice in the Sultanate. It is an open market that enjoys a large turnout of visitors and citizens and are held few days before the Eid. Habtat (plural of Habta) vary in their time in some of the wilayats of the Sultanate. Some are held on Ramadhan 23rd and continue till the end of the month and the same Habta is held in Eid Al Adha. Oman Charitable Organization (OCO) distributes Iftar programmes in the various governorates of the Sultanate. Everyone rushes to do good in this blessed month, hoping to be rewarded by Allah Almighty. At the end of the holy month, competent committees prepare for moon-sighting of Shawwal. When the moon is seen, people exchange greetings and congratulations. Some do that for three days before the advent of Eid Al Fitr. Rituals vary from one wilayat to another. — ONA