Highlighting Diverse Collections Archive

Feeney’s photographic article for Aramco World focuses on the Ramadan lantern–”fanūs”––a very Egyptian tradition famous throughout the Muslim world. Getting a lantern for Ramadan is a particular joy for children, and a cherished tradition for adults. There’s even a song just for the Ramadan lanterns!

: For many Arabic-speaking Muslims, especially in Egypt, it wouldn’t be Ramadan without Shaykh al-Sha’rawi’s commentary (“tafsīr”) on the Qur’an. Recordings of Shaykh al-Sha’rawi’s tafsīr lectures are played on TV every day. Shaykh al-Sha’rawi had a particular gift for explaining the complexities of the Muslim holy text for a general audience, and his lectures are a way for everyone to connect with the Qur’an throughout Ramadan.

Muslims observe and celebrate Ramadan in a variety of ways, including through the performing arts. This album is a collection of Turkish Sufi musical pieces, including one to “Welcome the Month of Ramadan.”

Frozen Brass is an album of African and Latin American brass band music, including the starting track, “End of Ramadan Procession.” This piece is from Ghana and provides yet another view on how Muslims in different geographic, linguistic, and cultural contexts celebrate Ramadan.