Month of Ramadan in Oman

IQNA – In Oman, an Arab country in the Middle East, Ramadan is known as a month dedicated to charity and good deeds.

During this month, many individuals and charitable organizations in Oman work hard to collect donations and assist those in need. Additionally, Ramadan is one of the busiest sales months of the year in the country.

Ramadan in Oman is marked by the purchase of related items, communal iftars in mosques, performance of Taraweeh prayers, recitation of the Quran, and organization of events known as Qarnqashoo and Habatat markets.

As Ramadan approaches, Omani citizens eagerly await the announcement of the start of this blessed month. The Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs is responsible for sighting the moon.

Once the crescent moon of Ramadan is sighted, people gather in mosques to perform the Isha and Taraweeh prayers, and after these prayers, they congratulate one another. Additionally, two to three days before the start of Ramadan, they visit their relatives and maintain family ties.

One of the most important customs of Omani citizens during Ramadan is the hosting of communal iftars in mosques and the gathering of family members at the home of the eldest relative, where both young and old come together at the iftar table.

Most Omanis break their fast with water and dates, or yogurt, alongside other homemade dishes. Water and dates are essential for Omanis, a tradition rooted in their connection to the date palm tree.

Other foods that Omani fast-breakers place on their tables during the holy month of Ramadan include Khubaysa, a type of Omani sweet, and Masanf, which is a special bread filled with meat or fish.

Fasting individuals participate in Quran recitation circles and lectures at mosques during the holy month, especially after the morning and evening prayers.

In the middle of Ramadan, some cities in Oman hold a tradition where children celebrate an event called Qarnqashou in their neighborhoods. This event is celebrated under different names in several Arab countries in the Persian Gulf region; for example, it is known as Qarqiaan in Saudi Arabia.

During this month, Omani families entrust their children to Omani teachers for memorizing the Quran, and before the end of Ramadan, a ceremony called Tumineh is held to honor these Quran memorizers. Special hymns are sung during this event.

In the final days of Ramadan, bazaars known as Habbat are set up until a specific date, and residents of each neighborhood and city are aware of when these bazaars take place. These bazaars offer data-x-items needed for celebrating Eid al-Fitr, and every year they attract a large turnout from Omani citizens.

6404962