Amman: The holy month of Ramadan in Jordan takes on a distinctive cultural diversity, enriched by the presence of international students from various nationalities. Their traditions add a special touch to the Ramadan atmosphere, while they also navigate the challenges of adapting to local customs, making the cultural exchange a valuable aspect of the experience.
According to Jordan News Agency, international students said their Ramadan rituals are largely similar to those in any Muslim country performing Taraweeh prayers, reading the Quran, and observing Laylat al-Qadr. However, each country brings unique traditions that reflect its heritage and identity.
Indonesian Traditions
Muhammad Dhiyaul Haq, an Indonesian student and representative of Indonesian students at the University of Jordan, recalled how Ramadan begins in his country with the communal recitation of the Quran after the first Taraweeh prayer, aiming to complete at least one full reading of the Quran during the month. Indonesians also seek forgiveness from family and friends, reinforcing bonds of love and reconciliation. People visit mosques to clean and prepare them for Ramadan and pay respects at the graves of loved ones who passed away before the holy month.
In Jordan, Dhiyaul Haq noted that the initial days of Ramadan feel less lonely thanks to the generosity and hospitality of Jordanians. Locals often invite international students to join them for Iftar, share Ramadan traditions, and participate in charity activities such as volunteering at orphanages and refugee camps.
Indonesian students organize Iftar gatherings two to three times during the month, featuring a traditional dish called “Kolak,” a dessert made of sweet potatoes and banana slices cooked in palm sugar syrup. A week before Eid, they prepare a special festive treat called “Nastar,” a pineapple jam-filled pastry similar to Ma’amoul.
Turkish Traditions
Turkish student Muhammad Acar highlighted that in Trkiye, the months of Rajab and Sha’ban are considered a spiritual preparation for Ramadan, during which many people observe voluntary fasts on Mondays and Thursdays.
Ramadan in Trkiye begins with the first Taraweeh prayer, performed as 20 rak’ahs in mosques nationwide. Religious hymns about the significance of Ramadan are recited after the noon and afternoon prayers, and the Quran is completed in every mosque by the end of the month. Religious programs on television and social media increase during this period.
Acar noted that work hours in Trkiye do not change during Ramadan, which can make fasting more challenging. After Iftar and Maghrib prayers, families traditionally enjoy tea and “Glla§,” a special milk-based dessert that differs from Jordanian “Kellaj,” as it is made without syrup. One of the most anticipated aspects of Ramadan in Trkiye is “Ramazan Pidesi,” a special bread for which people queue outside bakeries to get it fresh before Iftar.
Despite these traditions, Acar expressed a preference for spending Ramadan in Jordan, appreciating the slower pace of life, the calming atmosphere, and the colorful street decorations. He was particularly impressed by the Jordanian custom of closing restaurants during the day out of respect for fasting individuals, something he noted as rare in Trkiye.
Filipino Traditions
Filipino student Marzieh Findolonan attends Islamic lectures on preparing for Ramadan, its virtues, and the best practices for worship during the month.
As a student of Islamic studies, she and her peers have abandoned certain pre-Islamic traditions in their country, such as ritual bathing by fortune tellers and non-religious celebrations before Ramadan.
Findolonan, now fasting her sixth Ramadan away from home, faces unique challenges as a student, wife, and mother. Balancing worship, studies, and household responsibilities requires careful time management. She regularly joins university-organized Iftar gatherings or those hosted by cultural institutions and friends but hopes to experience a traditional Jordanian Iftar to learn more about local customs.
Filipino Ramadan dishes include a sweet macaroni salad, which may seem unusual to Arabs as it contains pasta mixed with assorted fruits, cream, and condensed milk. Another staple is “Siopao,” a fluffy steamed bun filled with chicken cooked in oyster sauce. Additionally, Filipinos favor avocado juice mixed with milk and honey for its nutritional benefits and energy-boosting properties during fasting.
Jordanian higher education institutions recorded a significant number of international students for the 2024-2025 academic year, with a total of 51,647 students from 113 countries. Among them, 11,814 new international students enrolled at the beginning of the academic year.