Imam Ferry Discusses Some Ramadan Basics

For those who have not experienced Ramadan in Aceh before, Ferry, a local Imam, shared a little bit about Aceh’s unique traditions surrounding this religious time of year:

The streets and shops of Meulaboh will be busy two days before Ramadan as people come into town and shop for “Mak Meugang.” Traditionally in Aceh, on the day before Ramadan the family enjoys a feast of buffalo together. This meal is often celebrated in a peaceful location — at the beach or on the river banks. And if there is a pair of newlyweds in your family, you may have a buffalo head at your feast, as this is a customary gift the husband gives to his in-laws.

During Ramadan the preparation for evening meals often begins around 3 p.m. One of the traditional drinks accompanying this meal is juice from a burnt coconut.

As you travel past the mosques in the mornings, you may notice they are quite busy. Typically, people pray early in the morning during Ramadan and then rest shortly afterwards. As a result, many people come into work around 10 a.m.

8 p.m. in the evening is another important time for prayer in the mosque. This special prayer usually lasts until 10 p.m. and is referred to as “Tarawih.” From 10 p.m. to midnight (or sometimes later) you are likely to hear someone reciting the Qur’an from the mosque.

Schools in Meulaboh are traditionally closed during Ramadan; however, you may notice children attending school for religious activities.

Ferry also shared a few helpful suggestions for non-Muslims who are interested in showing religious sensitivity during Ramadan: Non-Muslim women may want to consider wearing more conservative attire (long shirts and if they would like to wear a head scarf, it would be welcomed).

Another appreciated sign of respect would be to eat and drink in a designated room in the office and not in front of Muslim colleagues. The same is true for smoking, as refraining from this is another daytime sacrifice.

Men and women swimming at the beach together is not typically done in Aceh, and during Ramadan there is likely to be a greater Shari’a police presence around town, ensuring such incidents do not occur. Therefore, if non-Muslims are interested in being especially considerate during Ramadan, men and women may want to restrain from swimming together.

Ferry also mentioned, in general, non-Indonesians may want to note that greeting someone with the right hand is always appropriate, whereas using the left hand to wave at someone may be interpreted as impolite.