Oman- Ramadan tradition: Discipline, worship and familial bonding

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat- Muslims across the world wait for the month of Ramadan. From fasting during the day to prayers and meditation, the month is considered a time of forgiveness and restraint. Oman too among other important aspects observes Ramadan in all its glory.

From stocking up food supplies, to participating in iftar gatherings in mosques, participating in Taraweeh prayers, reciting the Q'uran, celebrating qaranqasho, and visiting habta markets, Ramadan in Oman is steeped in traditions.

An important aspect of Ramadan is get-togethers and people like to spend more time with their families. Most people in Oman break their fast with dates, water and milk. Dates are an immutable part of Omani culture. It is considered nothing less than a tradition handed down generations. Most households prepare a variety of snacks and starters for iftar such as soups, pastries and samosas. Some people even prefer to eat fish for breakfast daily. Other rituals of Ramadan include exchange of food items between neighbours.

The tradition embodies the concepts of tolerance, brotherhood, familiarity and affection. Attending Q'uran recitations too is an important part of the holy month. These sessions are held in mosques, especially after the Maghrib and Fajr prayers.

Halfway through Ramadan, children in the sultanate and around the GCC states celebrate qaranqasho. The day is celebrated by children wearing traditional costumes and going door-to-door in their neighbourhoods singing and collecting sweets and halwa. One of the main attractions of the holy month is the habta market. Held a week before Eid, the markets are a favourite with Omanis and considered the go-to place for any item. These open markets are organised on specific dates in several wilayats of the sultanate.

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