Al-Rahmatat: A Sudanese Ramadan Tradition that Revives the Memory of the Departed| Sudanow Magazine

Khartoum – (Sudanow)

In Sudan, the holy month of Ramadan rarely passes without the revival of deeply rooted social traditions embedded in the country’s collective memory. Among the most prominent of these customs is “Al-Rahmatat,” a Ramadan heritage practice passed down through generations.

This tradition is usually observed during the final days of the holy month, particularly on the last Friday of Ramadan, popularly known as the “Orphan Friday.” On this occasion, Sudanese families prepare a large communal meal as an act of charity dedicated to the souls of their deceased relatives, seeking divine mercy for them and drawing closer to God during this sacred time.

The name “Rahmatat” in popular understanding is derived from the phrase “Mercy comes,” reflecting the hope that God’s mercy will descend upon the departed and their families. Despite the social transformations that have reshaped modern life, the tradition remains firmly present in many Sudanese villages and neighborhoods.

One of the most distinctive features of the celebration is the preparation of a traditional meal centered around Sudanese fatta, a dish made from bread, rice, meat, and broth. It is usually accompanied by soaked dates and other popular foods. The meal is mainly distributed to neighborhood children, who represent the most vibrant and visible participants in this Ramadan ritual.

In a survey conducted by Sudanow, Mahmoud Yousif, a child from a village in River Nile State, said that Al-Rahmatat is a special day eagerly awaited by children every year. Groups of children go from house to house after receiving invitations from families preparing the meals.
“We feel extremely happy knocking on doors and being warmly welcomed by the households that serve us fatta and dates,” he said.

Sayed Mohamed Ahmed, a young man from Omdurman, recalls that children used to gather in the neighborhood square before setting off toward homes hosting the Rahmatat meals. These were often houses of well-off families who prepared large quantities of food, sometimes even slaughtering sheep specifically for the occasion. He describes the day as something akin to a small festival for children, where they sang, played, and ate until they were full of the hot fatta.

As they move through the neighborhood, children chant traditional rhymes associated with the occasion, such as:

“The hot meal hasn’t come out yet,
The lady of the dokka hasn’t fallen.
Little broom, little broom,
The lady of the dokka is forgetful.
Matchstick, matchstick,
The lady of the dokka is a mischief-maker.
Lemon, lemon,
The lady of the dokka is crazy.”

The wording of these chants varies from one region to another, yet they remain a cherished part of the oral heritage that gives the celebration its joyful and festive spirit.

Mahasin Ibrahim, a homemaker from Al-Jazirah State, explains that she has been involved in the tradition since childhood, first assisting her mother in preparations before eventually organizing it herself. She notes that preparations for Rahmatat often begin several days in advance with the purchase of food supplies and the preparation of small clay jars used to serve soaked dates mixed with water and spices.

She adds that some families even raise a sheep months before Ramadan specifically for this occasion, slaughtering it on the evening known as “Orphan Thursday” so that the meal can be prepared and served to children the following morning.

Mahasin believes that the tradition goes beyond commemorating the dead; it also reflects deeply rooted social values in Sudanese society, including solidarity, compassion, and the strengthening of bonds among neighbors and children.

Although some aspects of the custom have faded in major cities due to changing lifestyles, Al-Rahmatat continues to thrive in many villages and neighborhoods as an integral part of Sudan’s Ramadan heritage—one that blends charity, remembrance, and communal joy.

Ultimately, Rahmatat is more than just a meal offered to children; it is a story of a community that celebrates mercy and uses food as a bridge between the living and the memories of those who have passed on.

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