Ramadan Traditions: From Suhoor to Iftar and Beyond
The night is quiet, and the world outside sleeps. Inside our home, the soft glow of light fills the kitchen. It’s Suhoor time, and we wake up to the alarm signalling it’s time for the pre-dawn meal.
My father stretches and heads straight to the kitchen, while my mother starts warming the porridge. My younger brother, still sleepy, rubs his eyes and joins us at the table.
The house feels peaceful as we share this last meal before the fast begins. My father slices dates, and my mother prepares warm bread with butter, a simple but nourishing combination. I sip water, savouring the last drop before the fast starts.
As I take my final sip of water, I recall the words of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): “Eat Suhoor, surely, there is a blessing in Suhoor.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1923; Sahih Muslim, 1095)
The house is calm, and the night seems to stretch on. We finish our meal quietly, grateful for this moment.
The alarm clock is the signal for us to wake up, but in some parts of the world, there are special traditions to wake people up for Suhoor.
In Turkey, drummers walk through the streets, their rhythmic beats echoing through the neighbourhood, calling people to rise. In Egypt, loudspeakers blare traditional chants to alert people that the time has come to prepare for the day’s fast.
In Pakistan, it’s common to hear sirohs: musical instruments, playing in the streets, signaling the last moments before dawn.
After Suhoor, we move to Fajr prayer. The world outside slowly begins to wake up, the quietness of the early morning replaced by birds chirping as the first light of dawn breaks through the sky.
The Long Day of Fasting
As the day moves on, the hunger starts to make itself known. My stomach growls, but I remind myself that fasting isn’t just about food, it’s a time for patience, gratitude, and spiritual growth.
Throughout the day, I focus on my Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), repeating SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar.
Later, I sit with my grandfather, who shares stories of Ramadan traditions from his younger days. He remembers when breaking the fast wasn’t marked by big meals or large gatherings.
Instead, he talks about the joy of dates and water, the simplest but most cherished meal after a long day of fasting.
As I listen, I realize that even today, the essence of Ramadan traditions hasn’t changed. It’s not about the feasts, but about togetherness, gratitude, and drawing closer to Allah.
Before he finishes, my grandfather reaches into his pocket and hands me a few coins. “Go and give this to the masjid,” he says. “It’s for those who don’t have enough for Iftar.”
I take the money and smile, knowing how much Sadaqah is encouraged in Islam, especially during Ramadan.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “The best charity is that given in Ramadan.” (Tirmidhi, 663)
In Ramadan, acts of giving multiply in reward. Across the world, Muslims donate to help orphans, refugees, and the less fortunate.
The Joy of Iftar
As the sun lowers, the house comes alive again. The smell of samosas frying in the kitchen fills the air.
My father arranges dates on a plate, and my mother prepares fresh fruit chaat. My siblings peek into the kitchen, their faces eager, waiting for the moment when the Adhan will call us to break our fast.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The people will remain upon goodness as long as they hasten to break their fast.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 1698)
Finally, the Maghrib Adhan echoes through the house. I grab a date, whisper Bismillah, and take that first bite, the sweetness spreading across my tongue.
It’s a small moment, but the relief is overwhelming. A glass of cool water follows, and I let out a quiet Alhamdulillah.
After we pray, we gather around the table to enjoy a meal. My father brings out biryani, chicken curry, and chapattis. My mother makes sure there’s always fruit salad and yoghurt to balance out the meal.
Did you know? In some places, the Iftar table isn’t complete without special regional dishes. In Egypt, people enjoy Qatayef, a sweet pastry stuffed with nuts, during Ramadan.
In Turkey, it’s not uncommon to enjoy freshly baked Ramazan Pidesi, a traditional Ramadan bread, with some delicious baklava on the side.
But as much as we enjoy the food, the true beauty of Iftar is the feeling of togetherness: family gathered, prayers shared, and gratitude for the food that sustains us.
The Quiet of the Night and Taraweeh
After Isha prayer, the evening becomes a time for spiritual reflection. We head to the mosque for Taraweeh, standing together in prayer.
My feet start to ache as I stand, but my heart feels light. The beauty of the Qur’an, the stillness of the night, and the power of prayer all come together, reminding me of the strength of this month.
I feel a deep sense of peace. As I lay down to sleep, my thoughts are peaceful, my heart full of gratitude. Another day of Ramadan has passed, and with it, another chance to grow, purify, and draw closer to my Creator. Tomorrow, the journey continues.
Ramadan Traditions and Customs
Ramadan is a month filled with special traditions that bring people closer to each other and to Allah. It begins with Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, which is essential for sustaining the fast.
Families gather early morning, enjoying simple, nourishing foods before the Fajr prayer begins. After a long day of fasting, Iftar marks the moment when the fast is broken. The evening is filled with joy, as families come together to enjoy delicious meals.
During Ramadan, worship takes on an even greater importance. Muslims engage in Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), recite the Qur’an, and pray extra night prayers, especially the Taraweeh prayer after Isha. These prayers deepen the connection with Allah and help purify the heart.
Another vital Ramadan traditions is Sadaqah. Giving to those in need is encouraged throughout the month, as it cleanses wealth and brings blessings.
Ramadan traditions vary by region, but the essence remains the same: a time for reflection, worship, family, generosity, and compassion.