How Do Muslims Celebrate Ramadhan in Korea
Muslims celebrate Ramadhan in Korea with great respect and piousness just like any other Islamic country. Although not all the locals know about the religious festival of Ramadhan in Korea, everyone who knows about it, respect Muslims’ beliefs, traditions, and customs a lot. For example, my professor always gives me break to offer Zuhar and Asar prayers. My friend who goes to work tells me that he is also allowed to take a break during office hours to offer prayers. This kindness of Koreans is one of the reasons, that makes me love Korea even more.
My dad Rana Mushtaq along with my cousin Ghulam Nabi at Seoul Central Mosque
Muslims in Korea celebrating Ramadhan
What Does Ramadhan Mean
For everyone who doesn’t know what Ramadhan / Ramazan is – it is the 9th month of the Muslims calendar, the month where all the Muslims fast (no eating or drinking) from dawn to dusk. The month doesn’t only restrict Muslims to stay away from eating, it always asks people to stay away from bad deeds, to improve patience and respect for others. Literally ‘Ramadhan’ means to abstain “completely” from foods, drinks, sex, and smoking. Hence especially during this month, people try to stay away from all the bad deeds by controlling their desires.
Muslims in Korea at iftar time – Ramadhan in Korea
Ramadhan in Korea
Ramadhan is no doubt a month of blessing for all the Muslims. Here they are allowed to fast, perform religious rituals and respected a lot for celebrating this tradition. In Korea the fasting time for 2018 is almost from 3:15 am to 7:50 pm. It means they dont eat or drink for almost 16 hours. Muslims usually do their iftar (breaking of fast) in their closest mosques but the biggest gather happens in Seoul Central Masjid. Not only this, Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs also holds an annual iftar dinner for all the ambassadors and high profile leaders of Muslim countries. Pakistanis in Korea also celebrate the Ramadhan with great respect. You can find lots of Pakistanis in the Seoul Central Masjid who go there to offer prayers and read Quran.
Seoul Central Mosque ?? ????
Seoul Central Masjid ?? ???? – Biggest Mosque in Korea
In Korea, the biggest mosque is located in the central area of Seoul i.e Itaewon. The mosque is called “Seoul Central Masjid” ?? ????.
Me, my dad and cousin at Seoul Central Mosque ?? ????
My dad Rana Mushtaq Ahmad and cousin inside Seoul Central Mosque ?? ????
Everyday Muslims around the world living in Seoul, gather here for iftari. That is one of the beautiful scenes to see. People from Africa, Pakistan, India, Central Asian countries and ASEAN countries sit together. They come here irrespective of their cast, color and creed. Every day some embassy of a muslim country host iftar party at evening. On iftari, all the Muslims have the options of dates, water, milk, fruits, and food bags. After having iftari, everyone offers prayer and pray for the peace in the world.
If you are traveling to Seoul, don’t forget to visit Lotte World Tower.
I am very thankful to Almighty for celebrating this beautiful month in this beautiful country. #RamadhanKareem everyone and stay blessed.
Ramadhan in Korea
