Ramadan in Ilam province has had its own unique customs in the past, and despite the passage of time, these traditions have largely remained intact. We would like to familiarize ourselves with these customs. Stay with SaadNews.
Ramadan is a significant topic in the culture of the people, and since these customs have religious roots, they are of great importance to everyone. During Ramadan, people prepare for performing religious duties, and each group or community celebrates Ramadan in its own way, following specific customs and rituals. From mid-Shaban, the entire atmosphere of cities and villages in Iran changes, and everyone becomes busy preparing for the holy month of Ramadan— a month of worship, abstaining from sin, purification, and drawing closer to God. A few days before Ramadan, people start cleaning and tidying their homes, neighborhoods, shops, caravansaries, markets, mosques, Hussainiyas, and even public baths. Preparing necessities for the month of Ramadan is also considered part of the celebration.
Customs and Traditions of Ramadan in Ilam:
Ilam is a Kurdish province, and as such, it shares many cultural traits with the Zagros region. However, since all of the people in the province are Shiite, they follow a variety of religious and national ceremonies throughout the year. For instance, all people in Ilam honor the holy month of Ramadan and strive to observe the obligatory religious duties of this month. Each community, however, has its own customs related to Ramadan. Some of these traditions have been forgotten due to lifestyle changes, while others continue to be practiced.
The Wake-Up Tradition:
In the past, to ensure people didn’t sleep through the pre-dawn hours and could wake up for their special pre-dawn meal (suhoor), certain individuals were responsible for waking others. According to historical records, in many parts of the province, a group of people known as "Jarchi" would walk through the streets, beating a drum to wake people up. It’s also worth noting that seeing the crescent moon of Ramadan was considered an omen of good fortune and happiness. Reciting prayers and waking people up for suhoor was also part of this tradition.
Iftar Hosting Tradition:
One of the customs of Ramadan in Ilam is cooking dishes like "Halim," "Ash," "Beji Barsaq," "Kalle Kenji," "Sholeh Zard," "Ash Gandum," and "Date Syrup" with local oil. During Ramadan, people decorate their iftar tables with these foods alongside other simple dishes, and they invite friends and family to share their iftar. Hosting an iftar meal for friends and close relatives is an ancient tradition in Ilam, performed every year during Ramadan. Hosts strive to offer whatever they can to those fasting. Many people in the province also give iftar meals to people in impoverished neighborhoods during the middle of Ramadan to celebrate the birth of Imam Hasan (AS) and continue the noble tradition of charity.
The "Kaseh Hamsada" Tradition:
One of the most important and distinctive traditions of Ramadan in Ilam is the "Kaseh Hamsada" custom. Before the Maghrib call to prayer, people take their best dish from the iftar table and offer it to a neighbor who has less financial means, sharing their meal with them.
Mourning Ceremonies:
Every year, during the nights of the 19th and 21st of Ramadan, people in Ilam gather in mosques and Hussainiyas to mourn. They also hold magnificent ceremonies for the Night of Decree (Lailat al-Qadr), and some people spend the night praying and meditating until the morning prayer. On the last iftar of Ramadan, families gather to share the Zakat al-Fitr, which is contributed by the head of the household, and set it aside to give to a needy person before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. Early in the morning, they head to the mosque or prayer grounds to perform the Eid prayer. Visiting the graves of deceased loved ones and socializing with others are also traditions in Ilam during Eid. In some villages, it is customary to host guests at home, where women prepare the best food and host those who visit.
Saj Ali:
In Ilam, on the Nights of Decree (Lailat al-Qadr), in honor of the souls of the newly departed, people sacrifice a rooster and prepare food with it, which is sent to the needy along with rice. The dish is served on a plate called "Saj Ali," referencing the charity acts of Imam Ali (AS) during the blessed nights of Qadr.
Eid al-Fitr:
People in Ilam prepare for Eid al-Fitr by heading to the mosques or prayer grounds early in the morning to perform the Eid prayer. Afterward, they visit the graves of their deceased loved ones and recite prayers for them. On this day, people also visit their relatives.
Final Words:
The blending of local traditions with various cultural practices during special times creates some of the most memorable moments of our lives. Reflecting on and repeating these memories adds to their sweetness. We hope that during this month of divine celebration, we can enrich our spiritual journey through prayer, fasting, reading the Quran, and gathering spiritual provisions for the hereafter.
