Significance of the Eid lantern

Nowadays, lanterns are synonymous with Ramadan and Eid.

A beautiful way to light up the dark nights of Ramadan, with a warm and friendly glow. Inviting the believer to spend their nights in prayer and devotion.

However, the use of lanterns during this season has a rich history.

The Ramadan lantern is also known as ‘fanoos.’ It is believed to have originated in Egypt, but is now widely seen across the Muslim world and particularly in Arab lands. ‘Fanoos’ can be translated to mean ‘light’ or ‘lantern’ and often signifies ‘the light of the world.’

This symbol of hope is directly related to the month of Ramadan – as the month itself represents the believer’s hope of redemption from their Lord. Light in general, also has significance in Islam. The Qur’an states:

“Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp; the lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light.”

[Surah Nur: Ayah 35]

Therefore light represents all that is good – it is pure, it is belief and it is truth. The Ramadan lantern is a source of comfort during the holiest of nights. A light which when examined carefully – guides the believer to all that is important: Sacrifice and struggle towards their Lord.