A meaningful and sacred month that connects nearly two billion people worldwide, Ramadan marks the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. One of the Five Pillars of Islam, it is a time of fasting, reflection, charity and prayer.

Over the span of 1,400 years since Ramadan was first observed, distinctive and regional traditions, cuisines and celebrations have been created.

Waking up for Suhoor

One of the key facets of Ramadan, fasting, is observed from sunrise to sunset. Before fasting for the day, Muslims practice Suhoor, a pre-dawn meal that prepares observers with nutrients and energy to keep the body going during the day of fasting.

In many Middle Eastern countries, a musaharati will walk the streets and beat a drum to wake people up for Suhoor. Similarly in Indonesia, a slit drum called a kentongan is used to awaken observers.

Throughout Morocco, a town crier called a nafar will use a nafīr, a brass or copper trumpet, to wake others up for this meal.

Ramadan in the Polar Regions

Far from many traditional Muslim places of influence and settlement, observing Ramadan in the polar regions can be challenging. About four million people live in the polar regions across parts of the United States (Alaska), Canada, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Iceland and Russia.

Due to the midnight sun or the polar night during this time of year, how do Muslims know when to fast when the sun never sets or rises?

There are three widely accepted solutions:

1. If it’s not practical or there are health problems associated with fasting during the month, these days can be made up another time during the year.
2. Find the nearest Muslim community that does not have a polar night or midnight sun phenomenon, and follow their timings.
3. Follow the timings of Mecca, the holy city of Islam in Saudi Arabia.

Unique dishes around the world

Before the sun rises and after the sun sets, observers prepare meals with some of their favorites this time of year to be shared with friends and family.

In South Asia, commonly shared cuisines include biryani, curried chicken, fish, and other meats and vegetables. Savory foods like samosas and pakoras are also popular during Ramadan.

For Moroccans, Harira is a popular soup that is enjoyed throughout the year, and especially during Ramadan. It is typically filled with a mixture of tomato, lamb, lentils, chickpeas and a variety of herbs and spices.

For those with a sweet tooth, observers in Turkey enjoy baklava for dessert. Made sweet with syrup or honey, this flakey treat is often enjoyed with nuts.

Charitable giving during Ramadan

One of the major themes of Ramadan is giving to those in need through charity, known as zakat. If you are looking to send money overseas for your Ramadan donation, MoneyGram is here to help.

With easy around-the-clock money transfers in the MoneyGram® app or our website, you can send money for your Ramadan donation to family members and friends in 200+ countries and territories.

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