Ramadan in Tanzania, Uzbekistan , Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan
Dear all
I would like to continue my tour to discover Ramadan in different parts of our Islamic world
Ramadan in Tanzania
In Tanzania, the month of Ramadan has a special place in the minds of people as they prepare for Ramadan right from the middle of Sha`ban, as they bedeck the streets with decorations and electric lights, and also beautify the mosque and all the neighboring shops. Then they exchange visits and gifts between families.
As preparation for the month of Ramadan, most Muslims fast on Mondays and Thursdays in the month of Sha`ban until Ramadan comes when all of them will fast, starting from children of twelve years up to the old people. Those who do not pray are called atheists, pagans and unbelievers. It is regarded as an enormity and punishable under the law for a Muslim to eat during the day in Ramadan and to be seen on the street eating. All the shops are always closed in the daytime. Even the cafeterias in the hotels are not to be opened except after the sunset prayer, and even a non-Muslim is ashamed of eating in the daytime during Ramadan.
Some of the foods used to break fast are dates, water sweetened with sugar, coffee, rice, fish and vegetables.
Ramadan in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is one of the hottest spots in the world with the temperature reaching more than 40° C (104° F) in summer. Even when it falls in summer, Ramadan is still one of the most beloved seasons in the country.
After the Communist Revolution, a fierce attack was waged against religion.
Mosques were closed, prayer was banned, and Muslims could no longer fast or make Hajj due to the strict reign of the Communist authorities.
Now with the coming of leniency and the end of oppression, Muslims have regained their joy in their religion and seize the chance of the holy month to gather for iftar.
Each gathering starts with reciting the Qur'an and supplicating Allah to bless the host and his family. After they have finished eating, the guests and host rush to the mosque to perform `Isha Prayer and Taraweeh. What a great feeling to be free!
Ramadan in Japan
Muslims of Japan share their brothers all over the Muslim world the happiness of receiving Ramadan. A dialogue have been conducted with the head of the Islamic center in Japan who spent about 25 years in the field of Islamic Da`wah (Call to Allah) concerning receiving Ramadan in Japan and how Muslims of Japan lead their life during this honorable month.
He stated that Muslims in Japan prepare themselves for receiving Ramadan long time before its coming. A permanent committee called “the Committee of Ramadan and the two Feasts” has been formed in the Islamic center for discussing preparation for Ramadan. The committee starts its work with sighting the new moon. Mostly, it is too overcast to be seen. In such case, we follow Malaysia, the nearest Islamic country to us. Then, when it’s confirmed that the new moon has been sighted, the center declares that to the public. The center takes on its shoulder answering questions of Japanese Muslims concerning the new moon, times of Prayers, Fasting, etc.
On this occasion, we always publish a calendar showing times of prayers and the approximate times for refraining from eating and drinking at dawn and breaking fast at sunset during Ramadan. The center distributes this calendar to mosques, and various Islamic gatherings and meetings all over Japan. Another calendars are distributed to restaurants that sell Halal (lawful) food. Obviously, the center as well as all the other Islamic gatherings makes the necessary preparations for receiving this blessed month properly. Working for Islam is activated during this month which is the best of months and one of the distinctive features of the Muslim Ummah.
Ramadan in Malaysia
Malaysia is one of the greatest Muslim countries. The Malaysian Muslims receive the month of Ramadan with great joy and unequalled happiness. They change their style of living during this honorable month. Reciting the Ever-Glorious Qur’an, remembering Allah and staying at mosques are their main concern. On the few last days of Sha`ban, Muslims of Malaysia prepare themselves for receiving Ramadan. They prepare mosques for prayer and buy their necessities of food. On the 29th night of Sha`ban, the Ministry of Religious Affairs tries to sight the new moon. When the sighting is established, the ministry declares it via mass media. Muslims exchange congratulations due to the advent of Ramadan. On this great occasion, the local authorities sprinkle streets with water, clean yards and public squares and hang electric lamps in the main streets.
As for the way of receiving Ramadan in the countryside, Muslims there celebrate the occasion through gathering at mosques and congratulating one another. Also, they exchange meals of breaking the fast.
The rich and well-to-do traders normally establish feasts for providing meals of the breaking of the fast at mosques and in the streets.
Truly, the Malaysian community is distinguished with special kinds of meals.
Mostly, all family members attend prayer in the mosque regularly. Schools for teaching the Qur’an are widespread all over the country. The government encourages these schools which intensify their courses during this month. They teach Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence), Tafsir (Exegesis of the Qur’an), the Islamic Creed, the Arabic language besides the Ever-Glorious Qur’an. The Malaysians conclude the month of Ramadan with completing reciting the Honorable Qur’an in mosques, schools, TV, Radio, etc. Then, they make other celebrations for receiving the blessed `Eid Al-Fitr.
In Pakistan, Mosques Are Never Empty
With the coming of Ramadan, Pakistani citizens make `Umrah their first concern. Though straitened may be their circumstances, they never lose such a chance.
In Pakistan, Friday markets are everywhere to provide people with their basic needs at low prices. Pakistani women begin preparing Iftar at a very early time of the day in addition to some light drinks and meals. After Taraweeh, supper is offered which is mostly a good spicy meal.
During the last ten days, the case is different as men gather together to have Suhoor in nearby mosques. Before Suhoor time, they begin reciting and studying the Qur'an.
Days before `Eid Al-Fitr (Lesser Bairam) candy is distributed and markets are open around the hour so that people can get their needs for `Eid.
Before `Eid Prayer begins, Pakistani people wear new clothes and head to the public playground to perform `Eid Prayer. Kissing one another and exchanging congratulations the Pakistanis show their joy with the coming of the Lesser Bairam, `Eid Mubarak.
