- For the first time, Oslo will mark the fasting month of Ramadan with lighting. On Sunday evening, the candles are lit in several crescents at the Town Hall.
For the first time, Oslo will mark the fasting month of Ramadan with lighting. On Sunday evening, the candles are lit in several crescents at the Town Hall. Photo: Naina Helén Jåma / VG
Photo: Naina Helén Jåma / VG
Photo: Naina Helén Jåma / VG
Following inspiration from London, Oslo switched on the lights in a series of crescents on Sunday to mark Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. – to full cheers from those present.
Oslo City Hall on Monday 11 March at 06:20
The Ramadan lighting in Roald Amundsens gate and at the Town Hall around Fridtjof Nansens plass will light up until April 8, when the holy month of fasting ends.
– I think we in Oslo should be inspired by what is happening in London. Oslo must be an inclusive city that takes seriously the fact that we have great diversity in the city and that shows that we appreciate it, said candidate for city council Eirik Lae Solberg (H) to VG a year ago.
A few days before, London’s mayor Sadiq Khan had switched on “Ramadan Lights” for the first time in the London street Coventry Street.
FOLKSOMT: City council leader Eirik Lae Solberg was the one who opened the “light show”. Photo: Naina Helén Jåma / VG
Since then, Lae Solberg has become the leader of the city council, and as said, so done.
The lighting was lit during an event at the Town Hall at 5.45pm – and the lighting is marked with speeches from the city council leader and Muslim organisations.
There are lots of people at the place, and a very good atmosphere. People VG talks to say they greatly appreciate the measure.
– You are a very important part of the diversity that makes Oslo Oslo. That is why I am very happy that we are now installing Ramadan lighting here at the Town Hall. It is an important symbol that Oslo stands for community, inclusion and diversity, says city council leader Eirik Lae Solberg during his speech on Sunday afternoon.
See pictures from the candle lighting at Oslo City Hall in the picture gallery:
Photo: Naina Helén Jåma / VG
Photo: Naina Helén Jåma / VG
Photo: Naina Helén Jåma / VG
Photo: Naina Helén Jåma / VG
Photo: Naina Helén Jåma / VG
Photo: Naina Helén Jåma / VG
As the half-moon lights are lit on Sunday afternoon in Oslo, there is jubilation and joy from several hundred attendees.
This is Ramadan:
What is Ramadan?
- Ramadan is the Islamic fasting month. It is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar year.
- Muslims fast because it is one of the five pillars of Islam. It means that it is an important religious duty for Muslims. Fasting is supposed to purify one’s inner self and lead to self-restraint.
- Children before puberty and the sick are exempt from fasting. The same applies to pregnant women, nursing mothers and the elderly.
How do Muslims fast?
- During Ramadan, Muslims must refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and chewing gum from sunrise to sunset. They can eat again after sunset. The meal after sunset is called iftar.
How long does Ramadan last?
- For 29–30 days, depending on the lunar cycle. The start of Ramadan is determined based on the sighting of the new moon.
- The date is determined based on the Islamic lunar calendar, which is based on the lunar cycle. Therefore, the date varies from year to year.
- This year, Ramadan lasts until April 8.
What else happens in Ramadan?
- In the mosques, the Koran is read through during Ramadan. Muslims also gather for prayer in the mosques in the evening during Ramadan. Ramadan ends with the holiday of Id al-Fitr.
How many Muslims fast during Ramadan?
- About 90 percent of Muslims in Asia and Africa fast during Ramadan. In Europe and the USA, it is estimated that about half fast.
– I am so happy about Ramadan and that a lot of lights are lit in Oslo, says Siham (10) to VG outside City Hall.
Mum Aysan adds that children don’t fast like adults, but a little at weekends to learn what it’s all about.
- Mamma Aysan, Erna (5) Sagel (7), Safa (5) and Siham (10) are happy about the lighting in Oslo.
Photo: Naina Helén Jåma / VG
Photo: Naina Helén Jåma / VG
Mamma Aysan, Erna (5) Sagel (7), Safa (5) and Siham (10) are happy about the lighting in Oslo. Photo: Naina Helén Jåma / VG
Oslo lights up
Furthermore, the city council leader says that he is happy that Oslo is a city where everyone should be able to feel at home.
– Oslo is a city that literally shines a light on diversity, and that is why I say Ramadan Mubarak, says the city council leader.
INSPIRATION: City councilor Eirik Lae Solberg is honest that he got his inspiration from London. Now he, and those present, hope that this will become an annual tradition in Norway’s capital. Photo: ANNA GORDON / Reuters / NTB
The crescent moon, hilal, is an important symbol in Islam.
It is often used as a decorative element in mosques. The moon is given religious significance in Islam, among other things by the fact that the phases of the moon determine the Islamic calendar and consequently also the time of the religious holidays, according to Store norske lexikon.
The family Needa Wahbi, Abdelrahman Aljaski, Amir (6) and Yamen (5) attended the opening.
– This is fantastic and very nice. We are committed to Oslo and Oslo includes everyone. It’s a good start, says Needa Wahbi.
- HAPPY: Both dad Abdelrahman Aljasiki, with his son Amir (6) on his arm, and mum Needa Wahbi filmed and took pictures with their mobile phones.
HAPPY: Both dad Abdelrahman Aljasiki, with his son Amir (6) on his arm, and mum Needa Wahbi filmed and took pictures with their mobile phones. Photo: Naina Helén Jåma / VG
Photo: Naina Helén Jåma / VG
Photo: Naina Helén Jåma / VG
The price tag for purchasing the candles and having them lit for one month is in excess of a million kroner. Purchasing the lights has been the biggest cost. The money comes from the car-free urban life initiative, writes Aftenposten.
The Islamic Council of Norway is satisfied
– We are lucky to be part of this historic moment. It is with great joy, pride and gratitude that I stand here today to mark the fact that Oslo municipality wants to mark and celebrate Ramadan together with all of us, says Masoom Zubair from the Islamic Council of Norway during his speech.
<-Masoom Zubair
He believes that what happened on Sunday afternoon is a historic moment where the city of Oslo together takes an important step towards a more inclusive and diverse future.
– With Ramadan lighting in our streets, we send a powerful message of community. This is a symbol that we as a city stand together. Ramadan is a holy time filled with reflection, mercy and solidarity. It is touching to see that our city of Oslo wants to include all social groups, says Zubair.
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