From Pakistan to Oman: The cultural and spiritual aspects of Ramadhan
Fajar Minhas, a native of Islamabad, Pakistan, is experiencing her first Ramadhan in Oman, crafting a new tapestry of memories in a different land. This sacred month is abundant with cherished moments, familial bonds, and the power of prayer.
"My first Ramadhan in Oman is delightful; I truly appreciate the tranquillity and pleasant climate here," Fajar shares, her voice filled with warmth. "Back in Islamabad, it's quite chilly at the moment, which we find quite agreeable as it helps alleviate thirst while fasting."
Reflecting on the significance of fasting, she continues, "The experience deepens our understanding of the struggles faced by people in Palestine, Syria, and Sudan. We empathetically connect with both Muslims and non-Muslims, feeling their hardships, especially when lacking food or clean water. This connection draws us closer to them—and most importantly, to Allah."
Fajar may not recall the exact moment she began fasting from dawn until dusk, but vivid memories of her mother explaining how to ease into fasting linger in her mind. "I remember being taught that starting with six to seven hours of fasting would be rewarded by God," she reminisces.
Witnessing her grandmothers embrace the fast inspired her, free from any pressure. "I must have been around 10 or 11 when I began fasting regularly," she adds, a hint of nostalgia in her tone.
The fondness for childhood memories continues with a special aspect known as 'Ronak.' "In Islamabad, we have these joyous gatherings called 'Ronak' during Ramadhan. The atmosphere is calm and peaceful. Schools and offices would close early, allowing us to enjoy Saheri and Iftari get-togethers, filled with laughter and connection. I recall that in my childhood, Ramadhan coincided with the summer, and during university, it came right after mid-term examinations—a welcome break from studies! Nights were spent together with twenty-five girls, performing Tarawee prayers and engaging in Holy Quran readings. We would celebrate with games of Ludo. I deeply miss those days, my family, and my siblings."
Ludo, a beloved board game in Pakistan, evokes joyful memories for her.
As Ramadhan progresses, a wave of shopping takes over, particularly as people prepare for Eid. One market that springs to mind is Meena Bazaar, bustling with activity as shoppers hunt for henna and bangles.
"Midway through Ramadhan, henna is usually absent from the market, but everyone eagerly shops for traditional salwar kameez. The vibrant atmosphere is charming, making it comfortable for all ages, from young girls to older generations," Fajar explains with enthusiasm.
Pakistani cuisine shines during Iftar as an array of special snacks beckons. "Of course, we must have samosas and pakodas! In our family, we would also whip up Chinese kababs, bread kababs, kachoris, jalebis, dahi baras, chana chaat, and fruit chaat—delicacies enjoyed in every home, MashaAllah!"
Cooking is a cherished tradition that children partake in, learning from their mothers.
Rich spices and herbs are the hallmark of these dishes. "Yes, while some items can be quite heavy due to frying, it's customary to serve lemon and mint tea, often with a touch of cinnamon, at our tables to combat acidity and the side effects of fried foods."
Tradition plays a vital role during Ramadhan, with many opting to wear new clothes every Friday of the holy month. "We would begin shopping as early as two months prior to Ramadhan! The last ten days are particularly special, as we adorn ourselves in new outfits for Tarawee prayers. Once we've prepared for Ramadhan, there's rarely a need for further shopping during the year," Fajar notes with a playful smile.
Ramadhan is also a time of giving. "We share rations, clothes, and all necessities for households, alongside paying Zakat to support those in need."
Fajar feels at home in Oman, a Muslim country that embraces her heart. "I can hear the calls to prayer and partake in Tarawee prayers without needing to set alarms. It truly feels like home."
To round off our conversation, we indulged in a lively game of Ludo, where Fajar's expertise shone through once more.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
a day ago
- Observer
Celebrating a festival of faith, unity and generosity
Eid is a joyous occasion that brings people together to celebrate life's blessings with loved ones. Such festive days of celebrating Eid offer an opportunity to share happy moments with family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and community overall. This occasion is somehow refreshing, helping people skip their daily routines and reunite with others. Though it is important to embrace moments that refresh our spirits and bring joy into our lives even beyond these occasions. Celebrations like Eid remind us of the value of togetherness and the importance of nurturing relationships. Just two months back, Muslims worldwide celebrated Eid Al Fitr and now the spirit of celebration returns. Eid Al Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, stands as one of the most significant occasions in the Islamic calendar. It falls on the 10th day of Dhul Al Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic year, and coincides with the annual pilgrimage, Haj. This sacred celebration commemorates the profound story of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who demonstrated ultimate faith and obedience by being willing to sacrifice his son at Allah's command. Before the sacrifice could take place, Allah provided a ram to be offered instead. In remembrance of this act, Muslims who are financially able to sacrifice an animal, typically a sheep, goat, cow or camel, and divide the meat into three parts: one-third for the poor and needy, one-third for relatives and neighbours, and one-third for their own household. On this festive day, men, women, and children dress in their finest clothes and gather for the special Eid prayer, usually held in large gatherings in open spaces or mosques. The act of sacrifice must meet specific criteria to be accepted, ensuring that the animal is healthy and of suitable age. Eid Al Adha is not only a religious ritual but also a festive and meaningful occasion for people of all ages. It reflects unity, compassion and generosity. Differences are set aside as communities come together in celebration, reinforcing the values of empathy, forgiveness, and social harmony. It also marks the end of the Islamic year and welcomes a new chapter in the Hijri Calendar, a time for spiritual renewal and recommitment to faith. Ultimately, Eid Al Adha is an opportunity to reconnect with one another, to remember our shared values and history, and to celebrate the blessings that bind us as a global community. Though celebrated differently across cultures, Eid Al Adha is universally marked by a spirit of humility, gratitude and celebration. It goes beyond borders and backgrounds, reminding Muslims everywhere of their shared faith and responsibilities. Beyond religious observance, Eid is a time for strengthening relationships, healing old wounds, and reaching out to those in need. It is a day when joy is multiplied through sharing, and barriers are broken by kindness. In multicultural societies, Eid brings also an opportunity for people of all faiths to come together in mutual respect and celebration. Open houses, interfaith events and community feasts help build bridges and foster understanding. Whether it is the sweet joy or the meaningful reflection of Eid Al Adha, celebrating Eid is a vibrant expression of faith and love. It is a reminder that despite our diverse backgrounds, the values of compassion, generosity and togetherness are universal and always worth celebrating. Children often wake up to new clothes, gifts, and sweets, their excitement mirroring the celebratory spirit that fills the day. For adults, it is a time to reconnect with loved ones, share meals, and create lasting memories around the dining tables. The tradition of visiting relatives and neighbours reflects a sense of belonging and community. The joy of celebrating Eid Al Adha goes far beyond feasts and festivities. It is found in the strength of faith, the warmth of family, and the open heartedness of giving. It is a time when hearts are inspired, communities are strengthened, and the enduring values of Islam shine brightly through the lives of those who honour this sacred occasion.
Observer
3 days ago
- Observer
Pilgrims‘stone the devil'as Haj nears end
MINA, SAUDI ARABIA: Pilgrims were performing the last major ritual of the Haj — the "stoning of the devil" — on Friday, as Muslims around the globe celebrated the beginning of the Eid Al Adha holiday. From before day break, the 1.5 million-plus pilgrims began throwing seven stones at each of three concrete walls symbolising the devil in the Mina valley, on the outskirts of the holy city of Mecca. Droves of pilgrims had already set out from their accommodation in the sprawling tent city in Mina before dawn, taking advantage of the cool temperatures. The ritual commemorates Abraham's stoning of the devil at the three spots where it is said Satan tried to dissuade him from obeying God's order to sacrifice his son. Muslim pilgrims perform the symbolic 'stoning of the devil' ritual as part of the hajj pilgrimage in Mina on Friday. - AFP "Our experience in Mina was easy and simple. We entered and within five minutes we had completed the stoning of the devil at the 'Jamarat'," said 34-year-old Wael Ahmed Abdel Kader, from Egypt, after carrying out the ritual at dawn. Howakita, a pilgrim from Guinea, said the prospect of celebrating Eid in Mecca filled her with joy. "When I threw the stones I felt at ease. I was truly proud," she said. A day earlier, pilgrims converged on Mount Arafat, praying and reciting Quran verses at the 70-metre (230-foot) rocky rise near Mecca, where the Prophet Mohammed is believed to have given his last sermon. Many climbed the mount despite the searing heat, though numbers had thinned by midday following official warnings for pilgrims to stay inside between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. This year's Haj saw authorities implementing a range of heat mitigation efforts alongside a wide-ranging crackdown on illicit pilgrims — resulting in noticeably thinner crowds and a heavy security presence at holy sites in Mecca and surrounding areas. The measures were aimed at preventing a repeat of last year's Haj that saw 1,301 people die in temperatures that hit 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit). Saudi authorities said a majority of those deaths were among pilgrims who slipped into Mecca illegally and lacked access to accommodation and other services aimed to keep pilgrims safe and protected from the searing desert heat. This Haj season has recorded the lowest number of pilgrims in over three decades, barring the years of Covid restrictions from 2020-2022. A wheelchaired pilgrim is assisted as he arrives to perform the symbolic 'stoning of the devil' ritual as part of the hajj pilgrimage in Mina on Friday. - AFP Last year, 1.8 million Muslims took part in the Haj , according to official figures. Haj permits are allocated to countries on a quota basis and distributed to individuals by a lottery system. But even for those who can secure them, the high costs spur many to attempt the Haj without a permit, even though they risk arrest and deportation if caught. The stoning ritual in the Mina valley was the scene of a fatal stampede in 2015, when 2,300 people were killed in one of the deadliest Haj disasters. Saudi Arabia earns billions of dollars a year from the Haj and the lesser pilgrimage known as umrah, undertaken at other times of the year. The pilgrimages are also a source of prestige for the Saudi monarch, who is known as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques of Mecca and Medina. The end of the Haj coincides with the beginning of Eid Al Adha — an annual feasting holiday marked by the slaughter of an animal — typically a goat, sheep, cow, bull or camel. — AFP Muslims arrive to participate in a special morning prayer at the Grand Mosque complex in Mecca on Friday, to mark the start of the Eid Al Adha festival, which marks the end of their Haj pilgrimage. - AFP
Observer
5 days ago
- Observer
Day of Arafah — a sacred religious occasion and cultural moment
Muscat, June 4 Every year, on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah — the 12th month in the Islamic lunar calendar — Muslims around the world observe Day of Arafah, one of the holiest days in Islam. It is a day of immense spiritual depth, often described as a gateway to forgiveness, inner peace and divine connection. But beyond its religious significance, Arafah Day reflects values and practices that resonate with people from all walks of life — such as humility, equality and contemplation. In the Sultanate of Oman, Day of Arafah is embraced not only as a sacred religious occasion but also as a deeply rooted cultural moment, rich in traditions and communal warmth. Day of Arafah commemorates the day when millions of Muslim pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat, near the holy city of Makkah, as part of the annual Haj pilgrimage. Standing on the plains of Arafat from noon until sunset is considered the pinnacle of the pilgrimage — a moment of supplication, unity and surrender to God. For Muslims who are not performing Haj, Arafah is still highly significant. It is encouraged to fast on this day, offer prayers, engage in charity and dedicate time for personal reflection. While Omani pilgrims are in Makkah performing the rituals of Haj, the rest of the population at home engages in religious devotion and time-honoured traditions that highlight the nation's strong Islamic identity and cultural heritage. Many Omanis fast on the Day of Arafah, as it is believed to expiate sins of the past and coming year. Mosques fill with worshippers, especially during midday and afternoon prayers, where Quran recitation and supplications take centre stage. The day is also about strengthening bonds. Families exchange visits, offer traditional dishes to neighbours; and prepare emotionally and spiritually for Eid Al Adha, which begins the following morning. Unlike festive Eid banquets, meals on Arafah Day in Omani homes tend to be modest, often delayed until after sunset to break the fast. The simplicity reflects the day's contemplative tone. Muslims perform Tawaf in the grand mosque during the annual Haj pilgrimage before the Day of Arafah in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. - Reautes Day of Arafah is the final moment before the Eid celebration. Omani households clean and decorate their homes, prepare clothing and apply traditional perfumes like frankincense and bukhoor. Women adorn their hands with henna and men prepare the Omani dishdasha — the national dress — for the upcoming festivities. Arafah Day sets the stage for Eid Al Adha, the second major Islamic holiday, which commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The journey from deep personal reflection to communal celebration is a powerful narrative of faith, humility and gratitude. In Oman, this transition is especially graceful. The balance between solemnity and joy, between quiet worship and family celebration, creates a unique cultural experience — one that exemplifies the Omani spirit of moderation, dignity and hospitality. A Message from Oman to the World Arafah Day is more than a religious event — it is a global moment for reflection. In a world often overwhelmed by noise and division, it offers a rare collective pause for the soul. Oman's way of observing this day — with reverence, calm and connection — showcases the beauty of Islamic traditions lived in harmony with local culture. Whether one is standing on the plain of Arafat or sitting in a quiet home in Muscat, the essence of the day is the same: a yearning for peace, for self-improvement and for unity. BLURB While Omani pilgrims are in Makkah performing the rituals of Haj, the rest of the population at home engages in religious devotion and time-honoured traditions that highlight the nation's strong Islamic identity and cultural heritage.
