Ramadan in Saudi Arabia

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Ramadan in Saudi Arabia is characterized by a profound and distinctive embodiment of Islamic traditions and customs. [1]

Contents

Overview

Fasting

Fasting is one of the pillars of Islam, where Muslims abstain from food, drink, and sexual activities from dawn until sunset for the whole month unless there is a legitimate excuse for breaking the fast. Fasting is a spiritual experience which enhances closeness to God and promotes patience and endurance. [2]

Fajr and Tarawih prayers

In Ramadan, the Fajr prayer is performed with a special call to prayer which announces the beginning of the fast. In the evening, Tarawih prayers are held in mosques, wduring which Muslims recite the Holy Qur’an and pray together. [3]

Breakfast

Iftar is considered an important meal in Ramadan . Families and friends gather for a shared meal after sunset. A variety of traditional Ramadan dishes are prepared, such as chicken rice, mandi rice, samosas and various sweets, and worshippers go to the Grand Mosque before the Maghrib call to prayer to experience iftar]and Tarawih prayers in the Grand Mosque. [2] [4]

Ramadan season

It is a group of events held during the month of Ramadan, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Culture in a number of regions in Saudi Arabia, and they vary between cultural, artistic, and sporting. [5]

First version

The first edition was held in Ramadan 1444 / April 2023, and the most prominent events were: “Bab Al-Balad” in historic Jeddah, where customs and traditions were revived within the historic district, including storytellers, the center, handicrafts, and distinctive dining experiences. In Riyadh, the Ramadan tent was set up, offering breakfast and Ramadan suhoor, and the Ramadan neighborhood in Al-Nada Park and Al-Hizam Park, in addition to sporting events, including volleyball and padel championships, activating the walking track, and electronic games. [6]

Second version

The second edition will be held in Ramadan 1445 / March 2024, under the slogan "Enlighten Our Nights." This edition will reactivate historical and heritage areas, including Al-Thamiri Street in Riyadh, the historic Jeddah area "Al-Balad," and the Dammam waterfront. Activities include the "Thuraya Dinner" for Iftar and Suhoor, the Souq area, which was chosen as the location for the Souq Al Zal, the "Noor" art exhibition, the "Al Marqab" area, an interactive experience that includes astronomical telescopes, where visitors can observe the crescent moon and discover the lunar phases throughout the month, and the "Art Lighthouse" for teaching traditional crafts. And "Siraj" to focus on Saudi Arabia's efforts in caring for the Holy Qur’an, Gargee'an and Hawama, live cooking experiences, Ramadan shops and other activities, in addition to sporting events such as the Ramadan marathon, the two "padel" championships, and electronic games. [7]

Customs and traditions

Heritage and Arts

Saudi cities witness heritage and cultural events and festivals during Ramadan. Folk shows, competitions, and traditional artistic activities are organized that reflect the rich Saudi heritage. Ramadan markets called “Ramadan Market” are also held, where traditional and handicraft products and delicious foods are displayed, and samosas, sobia drink, and Ramadan sweets such as qatayef, luqaimat, and others are sold. [8]

Incense

The Ramadan atmosphere in Saudi Arabia is characterized by the use of incense after every prayer in the mosques, especially in the Grand Mosque of Mecca, . [1]

Giving and solidarity

Ramadan in Saudi Arabia promotes the spirit of solidarity and giving. Individuals and institutions provide donations, Zakat al-Fitr and alms to the needy and poor. Ramadan in Saudi Arabia also witnesses an increase in charitable works, food distribution, sharing part of the iftar meal with neighbors, and aid to the needy. [9]

During Ramadan, various games and sports are played, such as volleyball, basketball, and the Farfira game, which is widespread in the popular neighborhoods and Ramadan markets, as well as the Masaqil game known as “Al-Burjoun,” carom, tug of war, and other games.

Saudi food in Ramadan

Saudi cuisine is diverse and rich in flavors and delicious dishes during the month of Ramadan . Some of the famous Saudi Ramadan dishes are: [10]

References

  1. 1 2 "رمضان في السعودية.. أجواء روحانية". www.aljazeera.net (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 7 June 2023. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  2. 1 2 "رمضان في السعودية .. عادات مجتمع ونفحات دين". Hespress - هسبريس جريدة إلكترونية مغربية (in Arabic). 17 June 2017. Archived from the original on 8 June 2023. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  3. ↑ نجدي, ياسر (4 April 2022). "بالصور.. "رمضان" في السعودية.. مظاهر وأجواء مبهجة وأمان واطمئنان". صحيفة سبق الالكترونية (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 28 April 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  4. ↑ evrakinfo (1 April 2023). "تركيا تحظى بأنشطة مختلفة.. أجواء رمضان في الدول العربية". أوراق تركيا (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 8 June 2023. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  5. ↑ "تفاصيل الفعالية". وزارة الثقافة السعودية (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 31 October 2023. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
  6. ↑ "ثقافي / وزارة الثقافة تُطلق موسم رمضان 1444هـ بفعاليات وأنشطة ثقافية ورياضية". spa.gov.sa (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 28 March 2024. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
  7. ↑ "«موسم رمضان» يجسّد روحانية الشهر ومظاهره الثقافية بتجارب ثرية". aawsat.com (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 11 March 2024. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
  8. ↑ "الأسواق الشعبية شرق السعودية... بهجة مضافة خلال رمضان". aawsat.com (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 19 April 2021. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  9. ↑ "السعوديون يتأهبون لرمضان بالفوانيس ودواوين الزيارات العائلية". aawsat.com (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 25 April 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  10. ↑ Team, Wego (22 March 2023). "عادات رمضان في السعودية وأبرز التقاليد الموروثة: تعرّف عليها!". ويجو مدونة رحّال (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 8 June 2023. Retrieved 7 June 2023.

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