The holy month of Ramadan is celebrated in a festive atmosphere across the states of Sudan; it is both an Islamic and a cultural event. Throughout the month of Ramadan, the Sudanese capital of Khartoum becomes a beacon of spirituality that is merged with rich culture and traditions.
Sudan celebrates its first post-split Ramadan
For the first time in history, Sudan celebrates Ramadan this year as half a country. Following South Sudan’s official secession on July 9th, 2011, North and South Sudan have since become two independent countries, with South Sudan becoming the world’s newest and 193rd nation.
Despite the issues subsequent to this split—including loss of diversity and resources—the peoples of these two countries are hopeful for the dawn of a new era that is filled with both peace and a better living.
In an attempt to overcome the agony of this historical decree, the people of Sudan are riding on the coat-tails of Ramadan, rejoicing the arrival of this month, and engaging in their customary Ramadan rituals and traditions.
For the minority of South Sudanese Muslims still living in Sudan, however, the case is a different one. This year, they spend their Ramadan nights supplicating to Allah that their lives do not get disrupted any further. Unidentified by both the North and the South, these minorities are caught in the middle of a dilemma, with one of the possible scenarios being their ultimate statelessness. Conversely, they attempt to lead a life as normal as possible, and they mark the month of Ramadan with abstinence, prayer and piety.
Fasting during the day: A 30-day challenge
Located adjacent to the Sahara Desert, Sudan is known for its year-round warm and dry climate. The biggest challenge faced during a fasting day is bearing the sun’s incredible heat and battling with thirst.
With many citizens making a living on the road, such as amjaad (rental cab) drivers, sometimes the heat takes a toll on them. “I work fewer hours during the day in Ramadan, there is less work anyway,” remarked amjaad driver Khalifa while speaking to “Islam Online”. “I have no air conditioning in my car, and the traffic gets hectic during the day. That’s why I prefer to work at night, right after taraweeh prayer,” he added.
Charity Projects: Catering to the less privileged
Sudan boasts many charitable organizations that are active during this month. Usually run by volunteers, they target those who are unable to afford basic food products, particularly in light of the considerable increase in food prices that was mandated by the Sudanese government a few months ago.
“To Sudan with Love”, is one such organization. Started by a small group of friends in 2008, it has grown over the past three years and bridged good-willed people from around the world who share one aim—to give back to Sudan.
“If you look beyond the once biggest country in Africa’s fancy buildings and glistening lights, the less privileged are not hiding in dried up ditches or abandoned homes, they’re right in front of you and one cannot disregard what’s in sight,” said Enas Suleiman to “Islam Online”, an administrator and co-founder of “To Sudan with Love”.
“This year we are targeting needy families in various rural areas. These families will receive hampers consisting of food essentials like flour, sugar and dates. Should we surpass our target during this blessed month inshallah (God willing), our team and kind volunteers are ready to cover more ground for additional hamper distributions and deliver packaged iftars (breaking fast meals) to mosques, hospitals and other rural areas. We are grateful to Allah and are humbly hoping to be the centre that connects the right hand of the more privileged to the left hand of those who aren’t, especially during the month of giving,” she added.
On the other hand, other volunteer groups aim to focus on providing iftars for patients and family members who travel from rural areas to Khartoum in pursuit of medical treatment for their loved ones. Hospitals are usually packed with patients, family members and visitors who, amid the chaos and frustration of their situation, often forget to break their fast come Maghrib (sunset) time. In most cases, they can’t afford to leave the hospital and they have nowhere to go. Volunteers make it their task that each and every one of these people breaks their fast and gets a decent meal.
43-year-old Bakhita Ahmed has come all the way from Al-Damazin, the capital city of Blue Nile State with her 5-year-old son. In Khartoum, her son was diagnosed with a heart disease. Since then, she has been sleeping in the hospital because she doesn’t want to leave him by himself.
“Being here in Ramadan is a struggle. I want to be with my children and husband making them the food they like and going to the mosque to pray taraweeh,” said Bakhita.
Instead, she is sprawling to feel the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan at the rundown children’s hospital in downtown Khartoum. Nonetheless, Bakhita is grateful for these volunteers who change the mood at the hospital by their selfless kindness.
In addition to such numerous volunteer organizations, the Sudanese streets witness the unlimited kindness of strangers who generously give out food and drinks to passers-by during azaan (prayer call) time. Those returning home from their jobs close to Maghrib time are often met by strangers who offer them drinks and dates to break their fast. In return, the volunteers hope for nothing more than the ajr (Godly reward) that results from quenching the thirst of someone who’s fasting.
Experiencing Ramadan: Between religion and culture
Cultural practices mark the practices of this month in many ways. Mass iftars are a common tradition held in copious regions around Sudanese states and cities, such as houses, mosques, workplaces and even streets.
A standard iftar meal features Sudanese soul food and Sudanese cuisine, ranging from aseeda, mulaah, while succulent home-made beverages exist in assorted types, such as the conventional karkadai, abrai, and helo murr.
Furthermore, taraweeh prayer is embedded in tradition to the extent that many men, women and even children make sure to attend it on a daily basis. The elders skirmish with their medical problems, joint pains and health issues and sit through eight to ten raka’as of taraweeh prayer and beautiful Quran recital.
Sudan celebrates its first post-split Ramadan
For the first time in history, Sudan celebrates Ramadan this year as half a country. Following South Sudan’s official secession on July 9th, 2011, North and South Sudan have since become two independent countries, with South Sudan becoming the world’s newest and 193rd nation.
Despite the issues subsequent to this split—including loss of diversity and resources—the peoples of these two countries are hopeful for the dawn of a new era that is filled with both peace and a better living.
In an attempt to overcome the agony of this historical decree, the people of Sudan are riding on the coat-tails of Ramadan, rejoicing the arrival of this month, and engaging in their customary Ramadan rituals and traditions.
For the minority of South Sudanese Muslims still living in Sudan, however, the case is a different one. This year, they spend their Ramadan nights supplicating to Allah that their lives do not get disrupted any further. Unidentified by both the North and the South, these minorities are caught in the middle of a dilemma, with one of the possible scenarios being their ultimate statelessness. Conversely, they attempt to lead a life as normal as possible, and they mark the month of Ramadan with abstinence, prayer and piety.
Fasting during the day: A 30-day challenge
Located adjacent to the Sahara Desert, Sudan is known for its year-round warm and dry climate. The biggest challenge faced during a fasting day is bearing the sun’s incredible heat and battling with thirst.
With many citizens making a living on the road, such as amjaad (rental cab) drivers, sometimes the heat takes a toll on them. “I work fewer hours during the day in Ramadan, there is less work anyway,” remarked amjaad driver Khalifa while speaking to “Islam Online”. “I have no air conditioning in my car, and the traffic gets hectic during the day. That’s why I prefer to work at night, right after taraweeh prayer,” he added.
Charity Projects: Catering to the less privileged
Sudan boasts many charitable organizations that are active during this month. Usually run by volunteers, they target those who are unable to afford basic food products, particularly in light of the considerable increase in food prices that was mandated by the Sudanese government a few months ago.
“To Sudan with Love”, is one such organization. Started by a small group of friends in 2008, it has grown over the past three years and bridged good-willed people from around the world who share one aim—to give back to Sudan.
“If you look beyond the once biggest country in Africa’s fancy buildings and glistening lights, the less privileged are not hiding in dried up ditches or abandoned homes, they’re right in front of you and one cannot disregard what’s in sight,” said Enas Suleiman to “Islam Online”, an administrator and co-founder of “To Sudan with Love”.
“This year we are targeting needy families in various rural areas. These families will receive hampers consisting of food essentials like flour, sugar and dates. Should we surpass our target during this blessed month inshallah (God willing), our team and kind volunteers are ready to cover more ground for additional hamper distributions and deliver packaged iftars (breaking fast meals) to mosques, hospitals and other rural areas. We are grateful to Allah and are humbly hoping to be the centre that connects the right hand of the more privileged to the left hand of those who aren’t, especially during the month of giving,” she added.
On the other hand, other volunteer groups aim to focus on providing iftars for patients and family members who travel from rural areas to Khartoum in pursuit of medical treatment for their loved ones. Hospitals are usually packed with patients, family members and visitors who, amid the chaos and frustration of their situation, often forget to break their fast come Maghrib (sunset) time. In most cases, they can’t afford to leave the hospital and they have nowhere to go. Volunteers make it their task that each and every one of these people breaks their fast and gets a decent meal.
43-year-old Bakhita Ahmed has come all the way from Al-Damazin, the capital city of Blue Nile State with her 5-year-old son. In Khartoum, her son was diagnosed with a heart disease. Since then, she has been sleeping in the hospital because she doesn’t want to leave him by himself.
“Being here in Ramadan is a struggle. I want to be with my children and husband making them the food they like and going to the mosque to pray taraweeh,” said Bakhita.
Instead, she is sprawling to feel the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan at the rundown children’s hospital in downtown Khartoum. Nonetheless, Bakhita is grateful for these volunteers who change the mood at the hospital by their selfless kindness.
In addition to such numerous volunteer organizations, the Sudanese streets witness the unlimited kindness of strangers who generously give out food and drinks to passers-by during azaan (prayer call) time. Those returning home from their jobs close to Maghrib time are often met by strangers who offer them drinks and dates to break their fast. In return, the volunteers hope for nothing more than the ajr (Godly reward) that results from quenching the thirst of someone who’s fasting.
Experiencing Ramadan: Between religion and culture
Cultural practices mark the practices of this month in many ways. Mass iftars are a common tradition held in copious regions around Sudanese states and cities, such as houses, mosques, workplaces and even streets.
A standard iftar meal features Sudanese soul food and Sudanese cuisine, ranging from aseeda, mulaah, while succulent home-made beverages exist in assorted types, such as the conventional karkadai, abrai, and helo murr.
Furthermore, taraweeh prayer is embedded in tradition to the extent that many men, women and even children make sure to attend it on a daily basis. The elders skirmish with their medical problems, joint pains and health issues and sit through eight to ten raka’as of taraweeh prayer and beautiful Quran recital.
This article was first published on IslamOnline.net
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