Ramadan Then and Now
I believe that the holy month of Ramadan is a time of meditation. It actually refers to the lunar period in which the Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) on Laylat Al Qadr (one of the last ten nights of Ramadan).
Fasting during this month is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims fast for approximately 30 days from dawn to dusk then celebrate Eid Al Fitr. Because of this month’s particular spirit, special prayers called Taraweeh are conducted every night and most times in groups at mosques.
This year’s Ramadan was different for all with the spread of the pandemic. It felt unusual for most if not everyone because of social distancing and other restrictions. We could not invite family and friends over for iftar (the meal when breaking his/her fast) or suhoor (the last meal before fasting).
It was opposite to the usual sighting of worshipers walking to and from mosques. Restaurants and tents filled with music, entertainment and smoke. Homes overflowing with the most indulging desserts, snacks and beverages welcoming guests to play games until dawn.
Once we sit back and reflect on past habits, we first feel nostalgic, but then we pause and start questioning ourselves. It is a time for Muslims to practice self-discipline and feel empathy for the less fortunate after all.
Now let us rewind to how Ramadan used to be like more than 50 years ago. Traditions start in mid-Shaaban (the month preceding Ramadan) known as Hagg Al-Layla (literally translates to ‘For the Night’).
Emirati children would dress up in traditional clothing such as jalabiya (colorful long dress worn by the female) and candoora (long dress worn by the male and most commonly in white). They would walk around the neighborhood singing and chanting poems with joy perhaps barefoot.
Neighbors living in mud-brick or arish (structures made from palm tree leaves) houses give those children sweets, nuts and other treats to be collected in colorful cloth bags tied with a ribbon.
When by father was 8 years old, there was neither electricity in his house nor in those around him. In order to know the time of iftar, worshipers heard the firing of the cannon in the city. In Al Ain at the time, police officers fired them by Al Murabba Fort.
Note that there were those living in the desert, on the mountains, and by the sea. Today, many Emirati households turn on their TVs watching this tradition live on local channels as they break their fast.
However, for those living outside the city in Al Jimi like my father could not hear it. They would hear the athan (call for prayer) from the mosques nearby or sometimes walk there with their home-cooked dishes to share.
They started with dates, water then Arabic coffee before a group prayer and continuation of their meal. My father went to see his uncle Almas AlDhaheri (may his soul rest in peace) with a home dish. They lived in a fareej (meaning neighborhood) interacting daily with their neighbors who were often family members.
After Taraweeh prayers that finish late at night while the moon is out, my father and his fellow friends played in the sikka (meaning alleyways). Adults would say that it was safe enough as the jinn (meaning evil spirits) were locked-up during Ramadan.
It is important to note that the nights are longer during this month because of suhoor. Even though they had clocks, the timing changes every day. A volunteer known as the musahar would walk around before sunrise announcing the time for the last sip of water and meal. In Bahrain, they once used drums for that matter.
As the new moon appears like today marking the first of Shawwal (tenth month of the lunar based Islamic calendar), all Muslims around the world celebrate Eid Al Fitr.
For three days, everyone visits their extend family who used to live in the same fareej but now further into another city perhaps. Modern times forced individuals to move out and seek careers, education or other personal endeavors.