As part of the celebrations in the days leading up to Ramadan, many Lebanese people head out to the beaches or public parks with their children for sighting the crescent that signals the beginning of Ramadan, as part of the longstanding Beiruti tradition called “Istibanat Ramadan” إستبانات رمضان . Midfa al Iftar wasn’t always a part of the Ramadan traditions in Lebanon. This Ramadan tradition is said to have originated in Egypt. Once, during Ramadan, the then-ruler Khosh Qadam accidentally fired a cannon at sunset. WHAT ARE SOME CULTURAL AND SOCIAL TRADITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH RAMADAN? Muslims are ethnically and racially diverse and not all Ramadan traditions are rooted in religion. Some customs may transcend borders, while others can differ across cultures. Many social rituals center on gathering and socializing after the daily fast. Thousands of Lebanese gathered as the city opened its streets, welcoming the atmosphere of Ramadan. With its captivating beauty and grace, Beirut sometimes offers a respite from its harsh realities, imparting messages of life, resilience, sacrifice, and fulfillment. Mrs. Jumana Al-Qadi narrates to us the most prominent customs and traditions practiced by the Lebanese in preparation for the holy month of Ramadan. . With the holy month coming to its mid, we take a look at some interesting Ramadan vibes in Lebanon, a country in West Asia. Musaharati (dawn awakener) During the dawn hours of Ramadan, the Musaharati is a common sight in many parts of the Arab world, especially in Lebanon. 3 of 10 | . Mohammed El-Dahshan, 38-year-old “mesaharati,” or dawn caller, accompanies his donkey wrapped with colored led lights to wake Muslims up for a meal before sunrise, during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, in the Delta city of Dikernis, Egypt, about 93 miles (150 kilometers) north of Cairo, early Wednesday, April 12, 2023. Muslims are ethnically and racially diverse and not all Ramadan traditions are rooted in religion. Some customs may transcend borders, while others can differ across cultures. Muslims around the world are welcoming the arrival of Ramadan, a month of dawn-to-dusk fasting, intense prayer, charity and feasts that begins for many Sunday night. In Lebanon, Sunnis began fasting Monday after officials in Saudi Arabia saw the crescent moon on Sunday night, while some Lebanese Shiites began fasting Monday and others Tuesday. In countries like Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey, drummers still beat their drums and recite blessings and prayers, carrying on a centuries-old custom. South Asian Traditions Community Iftars in Pakistan and India. Ramadan is a time for social gatherings in both India and Pakistan. Ramadan in the medieval alleyways of Tripoli has a special place in the hearts of Lebanese people. The nocturnal spirit in this second town of Lebanon is electric and unlike anywhere else, tackling modernity and memories of the recent past to emerge as a town that embraces its age-old dying traditions, even if it is for a few days of Ramadan. The practice made its way to many countries across the Middle East including Lebanon, where cannons were used by the Ottomans to mark iftar all over the country. The tradition was feared lost in 1983 after an invasion that led to the confiscation of some of the cannons – then considered weapons. Each country and region brings its unique flavours and specialties to Ramadan, reflecting the cultural diversity and richness of the Muslim community. Dates for Ramadan 2025: Expected from the evening of February 28 to March 30, 2025. Daily routine during Ramadan. Suhur: The pre-dawn meal providing essential energy for the day's fast. It's Ramadan is a holy month rooted in faith, history, and culture. Around the world, Muslims mark the period with different and unique traditions. Om Ghazi, a widowed elderly Syrian refugee living in a refugee settlement in Bekaa Valley, Lebanon is struggling to celebrate Ramadan this year without her family. She lost five young men in her family due to the conflict in Syria and spends Ramadan alone. When she recalls what celebrating Ramadan was like in Syria, she feels the loss more deeply. Omani fasting traditions often involve fresh fruits, dates, and a mix of traditional dishes and grilled meats, which help sustain energy during the fasting hours. 4. A Balanced Duration—Beirut, Lebanon (12 Hours and 56 Minutes) Lebanon. In Lebanon, people often follow a tradition called Midfa al Iftar. During this practice, cannons are fired to mark the end of the fasting at sunset. Although many believe the tradition began in Egypt, it continues to be an important part of Ramadan in Lebanon today. Saudia Arabia This tradition brought along the relatively modern Ramadan trend the 'Ramadan Tents'. This trend has spread in Kuwait after the year 1991, as before smoking Sheesha was very rare. It's supposed it came from Lebanon, where this habit is very common for both genders especially during Ramadan. Thus this trend is not older than 20 years. Ans: Lebanon, like its neighboring countries in the Middle East, embraces shared Ramadan traditions, one of which stands as a testament to ancient customs – the Midfa al Iftar. This time-honored practice involves the firing of cannons at the conclusion of the fasting day, serving as a resonant signal to alert people that the moment for iftar
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