Eid Sa3eed

Modhesh ready to entertain children on Eid

Eid Mubarak to all my friends and readers.

Eid al-Fitr, celebrates the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan and breaking the fast.

Although most people are off for two to four days, the religious Eid is a single day, Thursday, when Muslims are not permitted to fast.

The holiday celebrates the conclusion of the 29 dawn-to-sunset fasting. It has been a time of prayer, reflection, soul-searching and generosity.

Ramadan is also a month of family and friends’ gatherings for iftar to break the fast and suhoor, the meal before dawn. With close friends, we have been gathering nearly every night for coffee and Ramadan sweets to pass the time until suhoor. I will miss these evenings.

Eid falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal, according to the Muslim lunar calendar. It is a day when Muslims worldwide try to show a common goal of unity. I hope this happens in the more vulnerable countries at the moment.

Eid al-Fitr has a particular salat (Islamic prayer) consisting of two raka’ats (units).

The Prophet went out and offered a two-raka’at prayer on the day of Eid al-Fitr and did not offer any other prayer before or after it and at that time Bilal was accompanying him. [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 15, Number 104. Narrated by Ibn Abbas]

According to tradition, and dating from the times of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), Eid prayers are generally offered in an open field or large hall. It may only be performed in congregation and has an extra six takbirs (raising of the hands to the ears) while saying Allahu Akbar (God is Great).

Also, as per tradition, there is no Adhan (call to prayer) on Eid and prayers are pronounced before the khutba (sermon):

Ata' said: "Jabir bin Abdullah said, 'The Prophet went out on the Day of Eid al-Fitr and offered the prayer before delivering the Khutba. Ata told me that during the early days of Ibn az-Zubair, Ibn Abbas had sent a message to him telling him that the Adhan for the Eid prayer was never pronounced (in the lifetime of Allah's Apostle) and the khutba used to be delivered after the prayer. [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 15, Number 78. Narrated by Ibn Juraij]

Eid al-Fitr is an occasion to show gratitude to God and remember Him. It is also an occasion for entertainment.

Aisha, the Prophet’s wife, narrates:

Abu Bakr [her father] came to my house while two small Ansari girls were singing beside me the stories of the Ansar concerning the Day of Buath. And they were not singers. Abu Bakr said protestingly, "Musical instruments of Satan in the house of Allah's Apostle!" It happened on the Eid day and Allah's Apostle said, "O Abu Bakr! There is an Eid for every nation and this is our Eid." [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 15, Number 72]

It is preferable to go to Eid prayers on foot and return from a different route:

On the day of Eid, the Prophet used to return (after offering the Eid prayer) through a way different from that by which he went. [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 15, Number 102. Narrated by Jabir bin Abdullah]

After the early morning prayers, Muslims visit their relatives, friends and acquaintances or hold large communal celebrations.

Eid Sa3eed and my thoughts go out to those less fortunate who will not be celebrating this joyous day.

I’tikaf in the age of political Islam

Photo by Navesh Chitrakar/Reuters in a series in Boston.com

We’re into the final days of Ramadan.

The last 10 days of the Holy Month are the most blessed and are very special in the life of every Muslim.

In this period of political Islam and sectarianism, it is maybe a good time to go on retreat and return to the roots of Islam and its true message.

It is with great anticipation that the faithful await Laylat al-Qadr and sit in I’tikaf (spiritual retreat).

I’tikaf began Monday (20 Ramadan), before maghreb prayers, and runs on until August 8 (30 Ramadan).

In the age of technology, I wonder how many people can still take the time off work and obligations to go on retreat for 10 days. I know one friend who has done just that and wish him well on his spiritual journey.

Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Destiny or Night of Power) is described in the Qur’an, Surat al-Qadr (Chapter 97):

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

We have indeed revealed this message in the Night of Power.

And what will explain what the Night of Power is?

The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.

Therein come down the angels and the spirit, by Allah's permission, on every errand.

Peace! Until the rising of the morn!

Tradition holds Laylat al-Qadr is the night the first revelation of the Quran was sent down to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Muslims will seek Laylat al-Qadr during the last 10 days of Ramadan, particularly on the odd nights – the 21st (tonight), 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th Ramadan.

The Prophet said, "Whoever stays up (in prayer and remembrance of Allah) on the Night of Qadr, fully believing (in Allah's promise of reward) and hoping to seek reward, he shall be forgiven for his past sins." [Bukhari and Muslim]

Muslims worldwide spend these last nights in devotion. They retreat to the mosque to read the Qur’an (I’tikaf), recite special supplications (du’a) and reflect on the meaning of God's message to them. It is believed to be a time of intense spirituality, when angels surround the believers, the gates of heaven are open, and God's blessings and mercy are abundant.

As narrated by Abu Huraira, the Prophet said, "When the last one third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One, descends towards the lower heaven and proclaims: 'Is there anyone supplicating to Me so that I grant his supplication? Is there anyone begging of Me for anything so that I grant him his wish? Is there anyone who seeks My forgiveness so I forgive him?'" [Bukhari and Muslim]

The Prophet performed I’tikaf in the mosque during the last 10 days of Ramadan, barely sleeping during that time.

Abu Said Al-Khudri relates, “Allah's Apostle used to practice I’tikaf in the middle 10 days of Ramadan and once he stayed in I’tikaf till the night of the 21st and it was the night in the morning of which he used to come out of his I’tikaf. The Prophet said, "Whoever was in I’tikaf with me should stay in I’tikaf for the last 10 days, for I was informed (of the date) of the Night (of Qadr) but I have been caused to forget it. (In the dream) I saw myself prostrating in mud and water in the morning of that night. So, look for it in the last 10 nights and in the odd ones of them." It rained that night and the roof of the mosque dribbled as it was made of leaf stalks of date palms. I saw with my own eyes the mark of mud and water on the forehead of the Prophet (on the morning of the 21st).” [Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 33, Number 244]

If the faithful cannot sit I’tikaf for the full 10 days and, they can try for as many days and nights as they possibly can.

Both men and women can sit in I’tikaf.

Aisha, the wife of the Prophet, says, “The Prophet used to practice I’tikaf in the last 10 days of Ramadan till he died and then his wives used to practice I’tikaf after him.” [Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 33, Number 243]

There was, however a little problem…

The jurist Umra bint Abderrahman, who was a pupil of Aisha bint Abu Bakr, relates the Prophet’s wife as saying:

Allah's Apostle mentioned that he would practice I’tikaf in the last 10 days of Ramadan. Aisha asked his permission to perform I’tikaf and he permitted her. Hafsa asked Aisha to take his permission for her, and she did so. When Zainab bint Jahsh saw that, she ordered a tent to be pitched for her and it was pitched for her. Allah's Apostle used to proceed to his tent after the prayer. So, he saw the tents and asked, "What is this?" He was told that those were the tents of Aisha, Hafsa and Zainab. He said, "Is it righteousness which they intended by doing so? I am not going to perform I’tikaf." So he returned home. When the fasting month was over, he performed I’tikaf for 10 days in the month of Shawwal (the lunar month after Ramadan). [Volume 3, Book 33, Number 261]

In these sad days of violence and killing, maybe these special days will bring comfort and inspiration to those in need.

May all your prayers be heard and answered.

Related post:

A Syrian’s gloomy Ramadan

Photo by Hani Mohammed via news.yahoo.com

“This year, we are alone and we don’t know what we will do for money and food supplies during Ramadan… This Holy Month is completely different and horrible.”

This is how one Damascus resident -- dreading the third Ramadan since the Syrian revolution erupted in March 2011 – put it.

I am sure he is not alone.

It comes as no surprise as Syria faces the world’s worst humanitarian disaster that has left more than 100,000 dead, displaced 4.25 million people internally and forced more than 1.6 million to leave the country to seek refuge in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq and further afield. The number of people in need is expected to rise to 10 million, nearly half of the population, by the end of the year.

Cham, who I met on Twitter and goes by the handle @chamsyria, wrote for Mich Café on how he and his family will be coping this Holy Month.

Cham is 50-year-old travel agent. He is married and has three children – two girls, 22 and 15, and a 13-year-old son “who supported Spain in the World Cup.”

He is from Damascus. “We lived in the old part of the city. It was always hard going. My mother was afraid of politics and didn’t allow us to be active. But at school, then at university, it was difficult not to get involved. You had to be part of the [ruling] Baath Party or your life could get very complicated, which is what happened to me.”

He continues:

“My work as a travel agent stopped because of what happened in Syria. We haven’t had an income for more than two years. It is difficult to provide food and medicine for my family.

“My office landlord is threatening me with eviction because I can’t pay the rent. But without an office I will go crazy. I can’t even think about it…

“Our home was destroyed. We lost everything in it, even our memories…  Then we fled to central Damascus.”

Cham says that where he now lives with his family everything is controlled by the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. “Every single meter, you find regime militias, security forces, Air Force Intelligence and public guards.”

Ramadan is a very important month, he says, not only because of our relation with God, but also because it is a month “when families unite, sit together for iftar (breaking of the fast) in an atmosphere of faith, spirituality, forgiveness and tolerance.”

While fasting from dawn until sunset during Ramadan, Muslims refrain from consuming eating, drinking liquids, smoking and engaging in sexual relations; in some interpretations they also refrain from swearing. According to Islam, the thawab (rewards) of fasting are many, but in this month they multiply.

“We used to buy many things before the Holy Month starts in anticipation of prices going up,” Cham continues. “This year, everything is expensive. Meat and chicken are more than SYP1200, basics such as sugar SYP115…” 

At iftar, the most important dish on the table is foul medammas, fatteh, salads and all kinds of juices.

“We used to have one or two main dishes, including the above and gather all the relatives. But since last Ramadan, we are too scared to move due to the many checkpoints around the city. It’s not safe to go out at night. I haven’t been out at night in more than two years. It’s best to be home before dark,” Cham says, adding:

“Last year we were about 15 people in one small home, all of us having fled their main residence. Three families had left because their homes were destroyed, including my own, by regime MIGs. Regime militiamen have killed some of our relatives or close friends. One of our female friends was raped and killed by Public Committees guardians along with her father and brother in Douma.”

“This year, my family is alone during Ramadan,” Cham says sadly. “We don’t know what we will do to buy food. My wife and I are always worried and wondering how we will manage. The children wonder whether we will be able to celebrate Eid or if we will stay home again, like previous years.”

He adds, “Ramadan is completely different and horrible now.”

In the evening, dates are usually the first food to break the fast; according to tradition, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) broke fast with three dates. Following that, Muslims generally adjourn for the Maghrib prayer, the fourth of the five daily prayers, after which the main meal is served.

“We don’t know if we will dare go to the mosque this Ramadan, especially for the isha prayers and Taraweeh,” Cham notes. “We don’t know how the security situation will be. We don’t know if regime militias will prevent us from going to prayers as they did in many cities around Syria. We know they killed people who were praying fajr or after Taraweeh in Zamalka, Irbin, Douma and Harasta near Damascus.”

Cham’s remarks came as United Nations agencies warned that millions of Syrians are in need of food air as the more than two-year war has devastated food production in the country.

A joint report from the World Food Program and Food and Agriculture Organization says that if the present conflict continues, the food security prospects for 2014 could be worse than they are now. "With so many adverse factors now stacked against the crop and livestock sectors, and assuming that the present crisis remains unresolved, domestic production over the next 12 months will be severely compromised," the report said.

This Ramadan: Dress 1 million children!

When His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launches an initiative, the world takes note!

Sheikh Mo -- as we affectionately refer to the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai -- launched the Dress 1 Million Needy Children campaign on the second day of the Holy Month of Ramadan (July 11).

This is in keeping with the spirit of giving and sharing that takes over the Emirates during the Holy Month and which is maybe less visible during the rest of the year.

Add caption

Sheikh Mo posted on his Facebook page: “Today we launched #Dress1MillionNeedyChildren campaign to make the needy children happier around the world. Giving joy and support to 1 million children is our mission for this Ramadan. I invite everyone to be part of this campaign, and remember that the more we give, the more we get back. Children are the most helpless in disasters and conflicts, and we will do our best to help them. Dubai Cares’ achievements in supporting 8 million children gave us confidence to begin our new campaign today. Giving is a deeply rooted value in our religion, and the UAE has built its foundation on that basis.”

The campaign embodies the true meaning of giving and the ideals the Holy Month of Ramadan upholds, including generosity, benevolence and extending a helping hand to those less fortunate.

During Ramadan, most mosques put out iftars for breaking the fast at dusk (see Ramadan in Dubai), organizations distribute food to workers and the needy, others line main roads to offer drivers late in getting home dates and water, local residents give away food and have queues in front of their villas…

Of course, there is a lot of waste in hotels and restaurants and even in homes, but reminders are always going out to avoid this. There is a number to call to arrange pickup and delivery of excess food.

Photo via Hesham G. Ahmed on Facebook

One supermarket is even offering free grocery items!

The objective of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Dress 1 Million Needy Children Around the World campaign is to promote the concept of giving and generosity during Ramadan and to provide UAE citizens and residents with the opportunity to partake in a distinctive humanitarian initiative.

The campaign will work on collecting donations in coordination with the UAE Red Crescent Authority and telecoms operators du and Etisalat.

In the first two days of the Dress 1 Million Children, 75,000 were already taken care of thanks to an AED 3 million donation by telecom company du in support of Sheikh Mo’s initiative.

The campaign needs AED 40 million to cloth all one million of the world’s desperate children at the cost of AED 40 per outfit.

Distribution by the UAE Red Crescent in Bosnia...

and in Yemen

The UAE Red Crescent has already started distributing clothes to 10,000 Bosnian children, as well as in Yemen, as part of the campaign that can be monitored on Facebook.

Donations towards the campaign can be made by SMS, by bank transfer into one of the UAE Red Crescent bank accounts, or by visiting UAE Red Crescent Authority fundraising booths located around the UAE and its main website.

To contribute to “Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Dress 1 Million Needy Children” campaign by SMS, send the word “dress” to the following numbers (du and Etisalat):

• 7040 to donate AED 40 and dress 1 child
• 7160 to donate AED 160 and dress 4 children
• 7240 to donate AED 240 and dress 6 children
• 7400 to donate AED 400 and dress 10 children

In addition, contributions can be made via bank transfers to UAE Red Crescent bank accounts.

The campaign runs until 19 Ramadan (July 27).

Countries benefiting from this campaign were selected in close coordination with the UAE Red Crescent Authority. They were chosen based on humanitarian situation reports as well as the number of needy children in that country.

The campaign is limited to children outside the UAE as there are many local charity organizations, such as the UAE Red Crescent Authority, that provide other initiatives to local needy children.

The AED 40 cost of dressing one child was calculated and determined in coordination with the UAE Red Crescent Authority and in keeping with the suitable value and quality provided by charity organizations that provide clothing for needy children.

Donations are monetary only since collection, shipment and distribution of actual clothing material to beneficiaries can be difficult and costly.

The campaign was organized in coordination with the Red Crescent Authority precisely to make sure the donations arrive on time and to the right children who are in need. It has qualified experience in this type of campaign and has offices and representatives in many countries with children in need.

Dressing 1 million children starts with 1! Let’s make this happen.

Wishing you a peaceable Ramadan

Ramadan Kareem to Sheikh Mo, the UAE family and to all my readers

Some 1.6 billion Muslims around the world today begin celebrating the Holy Month of Ramadan.

With so much turmoil, violence and death around us again this Holy Month, I would like to dedicate this Ramadan to Sheikh Mo -- as we affectionately refer to HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE’s Vice-President, Prime Minister and ruler of Dubai.

Thank you Sheikh Mo for creating a dream I can share. Thank you for keeping this country safe for us to build a home away from home.

It is every adult and healthy Muslim’s obligation to fast -- abstain from eating, drinking and sexual activity from dawn to dusk. But it is also a spiritual journey to avoid immoral behavior, anger and show compassion.

The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Holy Quran was gradually revealed to Prophet Mohammad (PBUP) over a period of 23 years.

I wish Sheikh Mo, the UAE family as well as my readers a blissful and blessed fasting month of Ramadan.

May Allah reward your self-restraint and answer your supplications.

Allah's Apostle said, "When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates

of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained."

[Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith no. 123, narrated by Abu Huraira]

Banging the drums in Ramadan

With Ramadan starting in a couple of days, you can feel the excitement mounting in preparation for the Holy Month of fasting.

In the UAE, the faithful are expected to start the dawn to dusk fast on Wednesday depending on the visual sighting of the crescent moon.

It is a month of spiritual reflection, improvement and increased devotion and worship.

Ramadan also inculcates such virtues as self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice and empathy for those who are less fortunate. It encourages acts of generosity and compulsory charity or zakat.

Daytime life slows down considerably during Ramadan and most expats leave the Emirates, especially as the Holy Month has been in the summer for the past few years.

But after iftar -- or breaking of the fast – at sunset and the special Taraweeh prayers at the mosque, everyone is out and about until suhoor, the meal just before dawn.

I find the Taraweeh magical and usually rush home after work at 9 pm to sit in the garden and follow them from the mosque next door. (See Ramadan Taraweeh: A 14-century legacy).

The Taraweeh are special prayers featuring recitations of the Quran after 'Isha (the last evening prayer). They are performed at the mosque, where the congregation prays and listens to passages from the Quran.

About a thirtieth of the Qur'an is recited each evening so that by the end of the blessed month, the entire Holy Book would have been completed.

Attending Taraweeh in congregation at the mosque after 'Isha is recommended but non-compulsory. They are a very popular and anticipated feature of the day.

Although I don’t observe Ramadan, it is still a month that holds great memories accumulated over the years.

Ramadan is all about the spirit of giving and communal gatherings, whether with friends or participating with family.

Every year I look forward to writing these Ramadan posts and you can read some past ones from the links below.

This year I was looking back on my time in Sidi Bou Said (Tunisia) and Beirut, when we used to wake up to the M’tabbel or M’sahhir – the Ramadan drummer that is.

Just before dawn, Muslims observe suhoor -- the pre-fast meal – followed by the fajr prayer, the first of the day.

In times gone by, the Ramadan drummers would walk the streets, beating their drums to wake people up in time for suhoor. It is a tradition that dates back to the Ottoman Empire and is dying away with the onset of technology.

Urban living and high-rise buildings make it more difficult for the drummer to be heard. In some places it is considered noise pollution. It is also thought that with mobile phones and alarm clocks, there is no danger of sleeping through suhoor.

But we used to look forward to the M’tabbel passing through the neighborhood.

He was known to most residents and often survived through the tips he was given at the end of the Holy Month for Eid.

The M’tabbel would walk the streets, often joined by children and would beat his drum three times every couple of houses while chanting. He was invariably invited to share people’s suhoor, a cup of tea or juice at one home or another because he wouldn’t get back to his own in time.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and its annual observance is one of the five pillars of Islam considered obligatory by believers and the foundation of Muslim life: belief, worship, charitable giving, fasting during the month of Ramadan and the pilgrimage to Mecca for Hajj at least once in a lifetime.

The pillars are mentioned in the Quran and summarized in the famous hadith of the Angel Gabriel. The hadith attributed to Abu Hurairah (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1:2:48) goes like this:

One day while the Prophet (PBUH) was sitting in the company of some people, (The Angel) Gabriel came and asked, "What is faith?" Allah's Apostle replied, “Faith is to belief in Allah, His angels, (the) meeting with Him, His Apostles, and to believe in Resurrection."

Then he further asked, "What is Islam?" Allah's Apostle replied, "To worship Allah Alone and none else, to offer prayers perfectly, to pay the compulsory charity (zakat) and to observe fasts during the month of Ramadan."

Then he further asked, "What is Ihsan (perfection)?" Allah's Apostle replied, "To worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you cannot achieve this state of devotion then you must consider that He is looking at you."

Then he further asked, "When will the Hour be established?" Allah's Apostle replied, "The answerer has no better knowledge than the questioner. But I will inform you about its portents.

• “When a slave (lady) gives birth to her master.
• “When the shepherds of black camels start boasting and competing with others in the construction of tall buildings. And the Hour is one of five things which nobody knows except Allah.”

The Prophet then recited: "Verily, with Allah (Alone) is the knowledge of the Hour." (31.34)

Then that angel (Gabriel) left and the Prophet asked his companions to call him back, but they could not see him. Then the Prophet said, "That was Gabriel who came to teach the people their religion."

Abu Abdullah said: He (the Prophet) considered all that as a part of faith.

Are there still, I wonder, Ramadan drummers waking the faithful for suhoor?

Are there any in Dubai that we could join on their route?

I wish my readers who will be fasting a Ramadan Kareem and syam ma2boul.

Related Ramadan posts:

Awaiting Ramadan's Laylat al-Qadr -- August 11, 2012

Ramadan Taraweeh: A 14-century legacy -- July 27, 2012

Glorifying Virgin Mary in Ramadan -- August 15, 2011

Vimto perks up Ramadan in Dubai -- August 4, 2011

Don't miss on dates in Ramadan -- July 28, 2011

Ramadan in Dubai -- August 18, 2010

Awaiting Ramadan’s Laylat al-Qadr

Laylat al-Qadr prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem (AP Photo/Muhammed Muheisen)

“Whoever stands (in prayer) in Laylat al-Qadr while nourishing his faith with self-evaluation, expecting reward from Allah, will have all of his previous sins forgiven.”

[Abu Huraira, Sahih Bukhari]

Today, Ramadan 23, 1433, the Holy Month is into its last few days. Muslims pray that the time they devoted to fasting, prayer, renewal and reflection, as well as the lessons learned will carry them through the year.

The last 10 days of the month anticipate Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Destiny or Night of Power) that is described in the Qur’an, Surat al-Qadr (Chapter 97):

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

We have indeed revealed this message in the Night of Power.

And what will explain what the Night of Power is?

The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.

Therein come down the angels and the spirit, by Allah's permission, on every errand.

Peace! Until the rising of the morn!

Tradition holds Laylat al-Qadr is the night the first revelation of the Qur'an was sent down to the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).

Muslims seek Laylat al-Qadr during the last 10 days of Ramadan, particularly on the odd nights -- the 23rd, 25th and 27th.

The Prophet said, "Whoever stays up (in prayer and remembrance of Allah) on the Night of Qadr, fully believing (in Allah's promise of reward) and hoping to seek reward, he shall be forgiven for his past sins." [Bukhari and Muslim]

Muslims worldwide spend these last nights in devotion, retreating to the mosque to read the Qur'an (Itikaf), reciting special supplications (du’a), and reflecting on the meaning of God's message to them. It is believed to be a time of intense spirituality, when angels surround the believers, the gates of heaven are open, and God's blessings and mercy are abundant.

Aisha (RA), the wife of the Prophet, narrates that He said:

“Look for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last 10 nights of the month of Ramadan.” [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 32, Number 237]

Aisha adds: “I asked the Messenger of Allah: 'O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?' He said: 'Say: O Allah, You are Forgiving and Generous and You love to Forgive, so forgive me.'”

It is believed the revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Mohammad occurred in two phases, the first phase being its revelation in full on Laylat al-Qadr to the Angel Gabriel (Jibreel) in the lowest heaven, and the second being its verse-by-verse revelation to the Prophet by the Angel. The revelation started in 610 CE at the Hijra cave on Mount Nur in Mecca. The first Sura to be revealed was Surat al-Alaq or Surat Iqra. This night is also believed to be the night when God decides everyone’s destiny.

Those who can afford to devote their time stay in the mosque for the final 10 days of Ramadan. This worship is called Itikaf (retreat). They observe a fast during the day and occupy themselves with the remembrance of God, performing voluntary prayers and studying the Qur’an, day and night, apart from the obligatory prayers, which they perform with the congregation. Food and other necessities of life are provided for them during their stay in the mosque.

The faithful will now be awaiting Laylat al-Qadr today Ramadan 23 (Saturday 11 August), on Ramadan 25 (Monday 13 August) or the most likely on Ramadan 27 (Wednesday15 August) -- the last odd nights of the Holy Month.

The Qur'an describes Laylat al-Qadr as a night that is more valuable than a thousand months. 

According to Sahih Bukhari (Volume 3, Book 32, Number 233), as narrated by Abu Salama:

I asked Abu Sa'id, and he was a friend of mine, (about Laylat al-Qadr) and he said, "We practiced Itikaf (seclusion in the mosque) in the middle third of the month of Ramadan with the Prophet. In the morning of the 20th of Ramadan, the Prophet came and addressed us and said, ‘I was informed of (the date of the Night of Qadr) but I was caused to forget it; so search for it in the odd nights of the last 10 nights of the month of Ramadan. (In the dream) I saw myself prostrating in mud and water (as a sign). So, whoever was in ltikaf with me should return to it with me (for another 10-day period),’ and we returned. At that time there was no sign of clouds in the sky but suddenly a cloud came and it rained till rainwater started leaking through the roof of the mosque, which was made of date-palm leaf stalks. Then the prayer was established and I saw Allah's Apostle prostrating in mud and water and I saw the traces of mud on his forehead."

May all your prayers be heard and answered. Happy Eid.

Ramadan Taraweeh: A 14-century legacy

What captures me most during the Holy Month of Ramadan is the Taraweeh.

These are special prayers featuring recitations of the Qur'an after 'Isha (the last evening prayer).

From the Arabic word meaning rest and relax, the Taraweeh are long prayers, sometimes lasting over an hour. They are performed at the mosque, where the congregation prays and listens to passages from the Qur'an.

After each cycle -- standing, bowing, prostrating -- one sits for a period of rest before continuing, hence the name rest prayer or Taraweeh.

About a thirtieth of the Qur'an is recited each evening so that by the end of the blessed month, the entire Holy Book would have been completed.

Attending Taraweeh in congregation at the mosque after 'Isha is recommended but non-compulsory. They are a very popular and anticipated feature of the day.

Tradition says the Prophet Mohammad [PBUH] initially prayed the Taraweeh in congregation for three consecutive nights but discontinued this practice out of fear that it would be made mandatory, rather than Sunnah.

According to a hadith:

The Prophet [PBUH] took a room made of date palm leaves mats in the mosque. Allah's Apostle prayed in it for a few nights till the people gathered (to pray the night prayer, Taraweeh, behind him). Then on the fourth night the people did not hear his voice and they thought he had slept, so some of them started humming hoping he might come out.

The Prophet then said,

"You continued doing what I saw you doing till I was afraid that this (Taraweeh prayer) might be enjoined on you, and if it were enjoined on you, you would not continue performing it. Therefore, O people! Perform your prayers at your homes, for the best prayer of a person is what is performed at his home except the compulsory (congregational) prayer." [Sahih Bukhari -- Volume 9, Book 92, Number 393, narrated by Zaid ibn Thabit. Also see Hadith No. 229, Vol. 3 and Hadith No. 134, Vol. 8]

Under the second caliphate of Omar ibn al-Khattab, praying the Taraweeh in congregation was reinstated. A hadith by Sahih Bukhari, narrated by Abu Huraira states:

Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever prayed at night the whole month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven." Ibn Shihab (a sub-narrator) said, "Allah's Apostle died and the people continued observing that (i.e. Nawafil offered individually, not in congregation), and it remained as it was during the Caliphate of Abu Bakr and in the early days of Omar's Caliphate." Abderrahman bin Abdulqari said, "I went out in the company of Omar ibn al-Khattab one night in Ramadan to the mosque and found the people praying in different groups, a man praying alone or a man praying with a little group behind him. So, Omar said, 'In my opinion I would better collect these (people) under the leadership of one qari (reciter, to pray in congregation)'. So, he made up his mind to congregate them behind Ubai bin Ka'ab. Then on another night I went again in his company and the people were praying behind their qari. On that, Omar remarked, 'What an excellent bid'a (innovation in religion) this is; but the prayer which they do not perform, but sleep at its time is better than the one they are offering.' He meant the prayer in the last part of the night. (In those days) people used to pray in the early part of the night."

Cars in front of a mosque in Umm Suqeim during Taraweeh

In Dubai this fasting month, all the mosques are packed with men, women and children participating in the nightly prayers. There are often dates, juices and water on offer, usually donated to the congregation by neighbors or patrons of the mosque.

The Ramadan night only starts after the Taraweeh, when at around 10 p.m. Dubai time, people head to visit their families and friends, join majlis gatherings, make their way to the malls, or head to Ramadan tents and restaurants in order to pass time until Suhur (the meal consumed before daybreak and the beginning of the fast).

Listening to the Taraweeh in my garden

I live right next to a mosque and rush home after work at 9 p.m., sit out in the garden to join in these prayers and try to connect as much as possible.

Although my Arabic is not good enough to follow all the recitations, it is still a time to pray, reflect, give thanks and participate.

Ramadan Kareem

Some 1.6 billion Muslims around the world today begin celebrating the Holy Month of Ramadan.

It is an obligation on every adult and healthy Muslim to fast -- abstain from eating, drinking and sexual relations from dawn to dusk. But it is also a spiritual journey to avoid immoral behavior, anger and show compassion.

The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Holy Quran was gradually revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUP) over a period of 23 years.

Allah's Apostle said, "When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of Paradise are
opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained."

[Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith no. 123, narrated by Abu Huraira]

The Prophet also said, “Whoever fasted the month of Ramadan
out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be
forgiven, and whoever stood for the prayers in the night of Qadr out of sincere Faith
and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.”

[Sabih al-Bukhafi, Hadith no. 231, narrated by Abu Huraira]

I wish you all a blissful and blessed fasting month of Ramadan.

May Allah reward your self-restraint and answer your supplications.

Ramadan Mubarak! 

Introducing Dubai’s falafel superstar

Juicy, soft and green on the inside, just as a falafel should be

I think I’ve found it! Yes, this is Dubai’s king of falafel. They are the best I’ve tasted in the five years I’ve been in the emirate, and I’ve tried a few.
 

Since the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan, some friends have been getting them nearly every night and that’s how I got addicted.

Dukkan Falafel is tucked...

... at the back of ENOC petrol station

Dukkan Falafel is not where you would normally look for a falafel outlet. My friend Aboudi discovered it by chance recently when he stopped to fill petrol. It is tucked at the back of ENOC petrol station, coming down from what used to be Defense Roundabout towards Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah side, just before Life Pharmacy.

The cozy seating area

Dukkan Falafel is open 24/7, but during Ramadan the timing is 5 p.m. to 4 a.m. You can enjoy a meal in the modest four-table restaurant, pick up, or call for delivery. You can visit Dukkan in these photos.

Mohammad and Amir

I was immediately welcomed by the friendly staff on duty the evening I passed by. Amir and Mohammad were happy to answer my questions and explain the “Dukkan” (Arabic for shop) specialties.

Dukkan’s falafels are freshly deep-fried using zero transfat Canola oil. The four branches work without a freezer. They get fresh ingredients daily. The other branches are in ENOC Al Warqaa, Meadows and Gardens. More are planned for Sports City, Jafza and Al Bustan Center in Dubai and as well as Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.

Dukkan Falafel is one of four chains – Tawasy, Chinoodles and Tandoori Trail – operated by Alternative Dining Experience, a company started in the UAE in 2009. It offers alternative concepts to customers, creates innovative and exciting new segments in dining, enters regional and global joint ventures, and franchises these concepts. The company’s strategy is to distinguish its restaurants by consistently emphasizing high-quality food and service and offering generous portions at moderate prices.

One of the menu boards

Dukkan's reasonable prices

And I thought the prices were very reasonable by Dubai standards: 12 falafels for AED 6 ($1.63) or 24 for AED 10 ($2.72).

As I had written in Introducing Beirut’s king of falafel (3 May 2011), it is difficult to trace the origin of falafel, the small, fried croquettes. Probably ancient, and often hijacked by different countries, it is accepted falafel originated in Egypt, where the Copts claim them as their own as a replacement for meat during Lent.

Except in the port city of Alexandria, falafels are called ta’amia in Egypt. They are made with dried broad beans or fool. In Palestine, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan they use dried broad beans and/or chickpeas.

It is maybe from Alexandria that falafel was introduced to the rest of the Middle East and spread worldwide. Made from ground chickpeas and/or fava beans, they are usually served as a sandwich in Arabic bread with pickles, tomatoes, mint or parsley, hot pickled peppers and drizzled with a tahini sauce. Some prefer to eat them without the bread and just with the tahini dip.

Mohammad making two falafel sandwiches...

... in Arabic bread

Dukkan Falafel’s Amir and Mohammad explained the supplies and falafel mix come fresh from Tawasy every day. Owned by Ramy Wardeh, Dukkan uses the Palestinian and Jordanian recipe of making falafel with chickpeas. Among the other ingredients they use in the mix is plentiful of parsley (hence their green center), pepper, garlic and a special mix of spices.

Tawasy Gourmet Catering, Dukkan’s supplier, is a home, events and banquets delivery service with an extensive menu of genuine Arabic and Mediterranean cuisines. All the ingredients, like the fries, cut eggplant, cauliflower florets, vegetables and the falafel mix are delivered to Dukkan Falafel and then cooked on-site, as I witnessed when orders started to pour in just before iftar, or the evening meal when Moslems break their dawn to sunset fast during Ramadan.

Four choices of bread

Amir and Mohammad got busy frying fresh falafels, fries and aubergines for the orders. They offer four varieties of bread for the falafel sandwich – Arabic, Panini, Ka’ek and Dukkan.

Dukkan Falafel has five falafel sandwich choices – asli (original), with herbs, tomato and their special tahini sauce; bil foul with fool mudammas or mashed fava beans; fakher with sautéed vegetables and tahini; ala kefak (to your liking) with your choice of filling; and bil khoudra with fresh tomatoes and vegetables.

They have event platters, eight different hummus choices, three of fool and plenty of side dishes. You can even explore their menu on their site before ordering.

Ready to fry a fresh batch

Oh boy, do they taste good!

I couldn’t help but have a few while Mohammad was frying a new batch and oh boy, do they taste good! They are nice and crispy on the outside; juicy, soft and green on the inside -- just as a falafel should be.

If you try Dukkan Falafel, I’d love to hear your verdict.

Related post: Introducing Beirut’s king of falafel, 3 May 2011