Unique Omani Ramadhan customs

Ramadhan customs differ from one governorate to another, but they all contribute to strengthening the bond and fostering affection between members of society. Some ancient Ramadhan customs are still practiced to this day, while others have become obsolete and are only remembered by old timers.

Athoon, Thawab, Istibshar are some of the unique customs of Al Sharqiyah South Governorate.

After Tarawih prayers, worshipers repeat the prayer “Farewell, farewell, Ramadhan” at the end of the holy month.

Historian Hamoud Al Ghailani said, "The wilayat of Sur is distinguished by many Ramadhan customs. During the holy month, families in Sur distribute food among relatives and friends. It is also shared among the poor people. The idea is to instill Islamic values of solidarity and cooperation. "

Families in the state of Sur also send Iftar to the mosques for travellers, commuters, the poor, and those present in the mosque, regardless of their social and economic status. "By sharing food, these families aim to foster Islamic values of sharing, helping the needy among children. It aims to cultivate respect for guests, neighbors, and relatives, and a love of helping the poor."

Another unique Ramadan custom in Sur is Athoon where families prepare Iftar and arrange it on several plates for children to carry it around. The children from the neighbourhood gather together and will sing "break your fast...break your fast...oh you who are fasting...early you will be asleep" until the moment the call to Magrib prayers. This practice fosters love by sharing the food.

At the end of Shaaban, men of Sur gather in mosques to sing songs to welcome Ramadhan and read the Holy Quran. Women and girls also welcome the holy month with songs.

In the wilayat of Sur, as soon as the moon is sighted, men fire rifles to the air to celebrate the advent of Ramadhan. Cannons are also fired from Hillat al-Souq to announce the arrival of the holy month so that the news reaches all villages far and near.

In Musannah, Misharati is one of the Ramadan customs that disappeared a decade ago with the death of the last Misaharati or town crier in the wilayat.

Jaafar bin Abdullah Al Balushi, a former member of the municipal council in Al Musannah, says, " There used to be a town crier with drums who wakes up people for morning prayers and Suhoor before sunrise during the holy month of Ramadhan. At the end of the 10 days of Ramadan, he will sing with his drum beating the same words and adding to it, “Farewell, O Ramadhan, Farewell, O Ramadhan.” May God have mercy on them. It was a beautiful time in which we lived in the atmosphere of the holy Ramadhan."

Customs differ for farewell to Ramadhan in various governorates. It is held in the last three days of the month of Ramadan immediately after performing Taraweeh prayers, and one of those present recites a supplication known as bidding farewell to Ramadhan. It consists of poetic verses that show the virtues of this month, and show sadness at its end. After finishing reading the supplication, all those present recite Al Fatihah and then leave. This custom is widespread in some parts of the Sultanate of Oman, especially in the north.

In Dhofar, the holy month is marked by Qatl Al Hanash, or killing the name, which is practiced by generations. But it actually has nothing to do with killing snakes. Families prepare a big spread of delicious food at the end of Shaaban until the first Suhoor. According to Hanan bint Salem Al Shanfariyya, a member of Omani Women’s Association in Salalah, "Just before the Ramadhan families and friends gather to eat dinner. The name 'killing of snake' suggests family members and friends must end quarrels and disagreements and clear mind of any grudges before entering the holy month."

Omani people still practice these Ramadhan customs along with family gatherings, which strengthens society and increases affection between individuals.