Wishing Happy Ramadan In Brunei: Greetings And Traditions

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims all over the world, during which they fast from dawn to sunset, pray, and reflect. It is a time of joy and celebration, and people often exchange gifts and greetings with their friends and family. If you want to wish someone a happy Ramadan in Brunei, you can say Ramadan Mubarak, which means Blessed Ramadan, or Ramadan Kareem, which means Generous Ramadan.

Greeting someone with Ramadan Kareem or Ramadan Mubarak

Greeting someone with "Ramadan Kareem" or "Ramadan Mubarak" is a thoughtful way to wish your Muslim friends, relatives, neighbours, or colleagues a happy Ramadan. These greetings are commonly used by Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan, which is a time for fasting, prayer, reflection, and helping those less fortunate.

"Ramadan Kareem" and "Ramadan Mubarak" are Arabic sayings that carry slightly different meanings. "Ramadan Kareem" translates to Generous Ramadan, wishing someone a happy and generous Ramadan. On the other hand, "Ramadan Mubarak" means Blessed Ramadan, conveying blessings for a sacred and joyful Ramadan.

While both greetings are acceptable and appreciated, some Muslims may have a preference for one over the other. "Ramadan Mubarak" is generally more commonly used, while "Ramadan Kareem" is considered by some to go against the teachings of Islam as it implies that Ramadan itself can be generous. However, others argue that it reflects the blessings bestowed by God during the month of fasting.

In addition to these Arabic greetings, various Muslim-majority nations have their own personalised greetings in their native languages. These greetings are a wonderful way to show love and support to those celebrating Ramadan. Exchanging traditional greetings, such as "Ramadan Kareem" or "Ramadan Mubarak", will always be appreciated and can be a great way to connect with and bring joy to those around you during this special time.

Sharing iftar with others

In Brunei, it is customary for people to prepare their homes and stock up on food before the start of the fasting month. During Ramadan, shops and restaurants close during the day and reopen after iftar. Muslims in Brunei attend gatherings in mosques after Taraweeh prayers to recite one chapter of the Holy Quran each night. They also hold large festive celebrations, with residents taking to the streets, chanting Tahleel slogans, and hanging decorations and lanterns in front of their houses.

If you are celebrating, consider making extra food to share with friends or family. You could also help friends prepare their iftar meal and gift them traditional Ramadan foods, such as Laila rice, meat, and pasta rolls stuffed with meat and beans. Commercial stalls selling local and Western foods are also popular in Brunei after a day of fasting.

Non-Muslims in Brunei also sometimes fast during Ramadan out of respect for their Muslim friends and neighbours. If you are a non-Muslim, you could participate in the fast or, if not, refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking in public places during this time.

Remember, the exact start and end dates of Ramadan are determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, so be sure to check with your local community for the specific dates and timings of iftar.

Sending gifts and cards to loved ones

Cards

A handwritten card with a thoughtful message is a wonderful way to express your well-wishes and gratitude during Ramadan. You can send a card at the beginning of the holy month, wishing your loved ones a generous and blessed Ramadan. You can also send a card at the end of Ramadan to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the festival that marks the end of the fasting period.

Gifts

When it comes to gifts, it is important to choose something appropriate and thoughtful. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "Give each other gifts and you will love one another" (Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 594). Gift-giving is a way to strengthen relationships and increase generosity.

• A book about Islam or a children's book about Ramadan, such as "Ramadan Around the World" or "Tell Me More About Ramadan"
• A prayer rug, especially a pocket-sized one for Muslims on the go
• Kitchenware for the home, as food plays an important role in Ramadan
• A Ramadan calendar, which can include daily challenges to help perform good deeds
• A set of scented candles, such as fig, lavender, spring, and lemon scents
• A box of traditional Ramadan foods or baked goods, or halal sweets
• A Quran, the sacred book of Islam, which holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims
• A gift card to a restaurant or clothing store, or a digital gift card for gamers

Lighting the night with lanterns

Ramadan is a time of celebration and joy, and one of the most iconic symbols of this festive time is the lighting of lanterns. The tradition of lanterns, or 'fanous', dates back to the Fatimid period in Egypt, and it has since spread to other countries. The story goes that in 969 AD, Egyptiansectionpeople and children greeted the Caliph al-Muizz li-Din Allah with lanterns on the first night of Ramadan. The Caliph was so pleased that he ordered craftsmen to make lanterns commercially and decreed that people should hang lanterns on their doors at night.

The tradition of lanterns during Ramadan has evolved over the centuries, with new shapes, sizes, and materials being used. While traditional lanterns were made of brass and tinted glass, today, most people opt for cheap plastic lanterns or even battery-operated ones. In Brunei, electric lanterns and colourful decorations illuminate the entrances of buildings, houses, and shops during Ramadan.

The lighting of lanterns holds a special significance during Ramadan. One reason for this is that many Ramadan activities take place after nightfall, so lanterns are used to create a festive atmosphere. They are often decorated with essential oils or scented candles, adding extra flair to the celebrations.

In Brunei, the sighting of the new Ramadan crescent moon is a significant event. People take to the streets, chanting Tahleel slogans, and electric lanterns are lit in front of houses. The nights during Ramadan are lively, with people staying up late to pray and prepare the pre-dawn meal.

The lanterns are not just decorative but also hold symbolic meaning. They represent the start of the holy month and are a way to welcome the festivities. They are a reminder of the spiritual significance of Ramadan and a way to spread joy and happiness during this special time.

Exchanging well-wishes and blessings

There are several ways to wish someone a Happy Ramadan. One of the most popular greetings is "Ramadan Mubarak", which roughly translates to "Happy Ramadan" or "Blessed Ramadan". This is a common phrase used to convey good wishes during the holy month. Another greeting is "Ramadan Kareem", which means "Generous Ramadan". This phrase is not used as frequently as "Ramadan Mubarak", and there is some debate around its appropriateness due to the expectation of generosity that it conveys. However, Dubai-based language expert Khaled Boudemagh supports its use, stating, "Ramadan is a month of generosity, therefore wish Kareem."

In addition to these traditional greetings, there are other ways to exchange well-wishes and blessings. Here are some examples:

• "Wishing you all the blessings of the holy month."
• "May the crescent-shaped moon brighten your path toward enlightenment, and may Allah bless you with peace and grace."
• "May this Ramadan bring joy, health, and wealth to you."
• "I wish you four weeks of blessings, 30 days of clemency, and 720 hours of enlightenment. Happy Ramadan!"
• "May the Spirit of Ramadan stay in our hearts and illuminate our souls from within."
• "May Allah always guide you throughout your journey in life. I wish this Ramadan will infuse you with courage to help you triumph over life's adversities."
• "As you fast and offer prayers to Allah, may you find peace and happiness."
• "Have a peaceful and happy Ramadan."

These phrases capture the spirit of Ramadan and convey sentiments of peace, happiness, and spiritual enlightenment. They are a wonderful way to show love and support to those celebrating the holy month.

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