The Sultanate of Oman has many unique Ramadhan traditions that are part of its cultural heritage.
There are practices like ‘Tarawih’ prayers, Quran recitation, feeding the needy, helping the poor, and upholding ties of kinship and relatives. Preparations for guests and relatives and invitations for the occasion also have traditional touch.
During the holy month, ‘Dhikr’ sessions are held in mosques. Verses from the Holy Quran and prayers are repeatedly recited and chanted to praise Allah. Then there are night prayers.
The customs and traditions of the holy month in the Sultanate of Oman are followed in several ways. Some are related to the food that the Omani people prefer during the month.
Omanis exchange iftar dishes with their neighbours and relatives. This reflects values of tolerance, brotherhood and affection that the members of the Omani society grew up on.
Then there are mass iftars in public places that host thousands and family iftars where family members break the fast together as this month is an opportunity for ties and rapprochement.
There are basic dishes that are prepared daily and eaten by family members before breaking the fast in Ramadhan, the most famous of which are dates, water and laban.
Oman is famous for its delicious dishes like biryani, kabsa, balaleet, harees, as well as Al Arsiya, thareed, madrooba, khabsa, salona meat and vegetables. They are among the most popular Ramadhan meals.
always in demand
Coffee is a drink that is always in demand. Honey melons and sweet melons are on the top list of fruits in the month of Ramadhan, along with bananas. Watermelons and sweet melons are produced in the Najd region.
Dr Ahmed bin Suhail al Hadari, Chairman of the Omani Agricultural Society in Dhofar Governorate, said in an earlier statement, “There is continuous communication and coordination between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources and the Omani Agricultural Society in the governorate to make the season a success and facilitate procedures to ensure the transfer of products from farms to markets and follow-up on the import of melons.”
In addition, the National Centre for Statistics and Information stated that the prices of melons decreased in the first week of Ramadhan by about 11 per cent compared to the first week of Ramadhan last year.
One of the customs related to religious rites is holding big celebrations before the end of the holy month of Ramadhan for those children who have completed the recitation of the Holy Quran, and this distinguished celebration is called Tayminah.
During the celebration of Al Tayminah, children roam around the streets expressing their joy at the success in completing the study of the Holy Quran.
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