Sounds of Ramadan that ring out through the ages

While the practice has declined gradually due to the change in people’s sleeping behaviors, the use of new technologies such as alarm clocks, among other reason, some people are still volunteering to keep this tradition alive around the Arab world.  (Getty images)
Updated 18 May 2018
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Sounds of Ramadan that ring out through the ages

  • One of the oldest and most deeply rooted of Ramadan customs is the Mesaharati, in which a volunteer goes around to wake up Muslims during the holy month to eat the suhoor meal before they start their fasting at the Fajr prayer call at dawn. 
  • While the practice has declined gradually due to the change in people’s sleeping behaviors, the use of new technologies such as alarm clocks, among other reason, some people are still volunteering to keep this tradition alive around the Arab world. 

JEDDAH: The Mesaharati, or public waker, is one of the oldest and most deeply rooted of Ramadan customs. The title is given to a person who voluntarily takes it on himself to wake up Muslims during the holy month to eat the suhoor meal before they start their fasting at the Fajr prayer call at dawn. 

Abdul-Muhsen Doom, the mesaharati in Al-Balad’s Ramadan Festival, said that the practice was mainly created because people used to go to bed after Taraweeh prayers every night. 

The Mesaharati's main role was to wake people up for suhoor using his drums while repeating the still-known phrases of “Sabbahak Allah bil ridha wa alnaeem” (May Allah wake you with satisfaction and bliss) and “Ya nayem wahhid Aldayem” (Sleeping, praise the Permanent Allah). 

The Mesaharati would stand under each house window, calling everyone by name until he heard a response before moving to the next house, Doom said. 

“During which, the sound of suhoor cannon was the known sign for all misahratiyah (the plural of mesaharati) to start their rounds around each one’s neighborhood as every neighborhood used to have its own mesaharati chosen by its own residents,” he said. 

When Doom was a child, Amm Yahya Galangi was the mesaharati of his Al-Mathloom neighborhood.

Malak Baeesa, the omdah, or mayor, in Al-Balad, Old Jeddah city, told Arab News that the Mesaharati is one of the most appreciated Islamic traditions of the month of Ramadan. He said that a mesaharati title is an honor, equivalent to being selected as the omdah, that used to be given by the people of a neighborhood to a well-known person among them.

While it had been a popular and actively practiced profession in most Arab countries, the need for a mesaharati gradually declined 40 years ago due to the change in people’s sleeping behaviors, the use of new technologies such as alarm clocks and the development of cities, where it became harder to hear the mesaharati’s voice. 

Yet some people are still volunteering to keep this tradition alive around the Arab world. 

It is believed that the first mesaharati, or drum holder, was Bilal Bin Rabah, one of the Prophet Muhammad’s companions. He used to walk the streets and roads throughout the night to wake people up.

 

Distinctive calls

In a Hadith by the Prophet Muhammad, he said: “Bilal calls the adhan in the night, so eat and drink until Ibn Umm Maktum calls the adhan.” 

However, some say the tradition first appeared in Egypt, where the mesaharati used to roam the streets of Cairo holding a small drum and tapping it with a piece of leather or wood. He was often accompanied by a child holding a lamp to light the way and echo his distinctive calls. 

The mesaharati would call the name of each house owner as he passed by. At the time, the women would wrap a coin in a paper and light it so the mesaharati would be able to find it in the darkness. 

The tradition is practiced in several Muslim countries including Egypt, Syria, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine. Each of these countries has their own mesaharati traditions and songs or prayers that they chant as they walk the neighborhood to wake the people up. 

The mesaharati in Syria, for instance, used to have strong connection with his community. People trusted him to deliver food and money to those whom he knew were in need.

When Ramadan comes to an end and the celebrations of Eid Al-Fitr start, the mesaharati receives gifts of money and food from people to express gratitude for his services during the month. 

“Although the mesaharati is considered a voluntary role, people pay him whatever they can once Ramadan comes to an end, as an Eidyah (Eid gift) during Eid Al-Fitr,” Doom said.

Decoder

Ramadan terms

Mesaharati: The term comes from the word sahoor, which is the pre-dawn meal, the second main meal Muslims have during Ramadan. Suhoor: An Islamic term referring to the meal consumed early in the morning by Muslims before their fasting starts. Taraweeh: Extra prayers performed by Muslims at night during Ramadan. Hadith: A word that denotes the words and actions of Prophet Muhammad. Eid Al-Fitr: A religious holiday, celebrated by Muslims worldwide. that marks the end of Ramadan.


‘The extraordinary has become the ordinary in Saudi Arabia,’ says Middle East expert

Updated 16 sec ago
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‘The extraordinary has become the ordinary in Saudi Arabia,’ says Middle East expert

  • Appearing on “Frankly Speaking,” Norman Roule called for more robust media narrative to communicate the Kingdom’s ambition
  • Lauded the role of Ambassadors Michael Ratney and Princess Reema bin Bandar in strengthening bilateral relationship

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s transformation, showcased by world-class entertainment events, AI and green energy investments, and giga-projects, continues to redefine its global image and influence, but according to Middle East expert Norman Roule, more can be done to explain the Kingdom’s ambitions to the world.

On the diplomatic front, the former CIA operations officer believes Saudi-US relations will continue to thrive regardless of the administration in Washington and despite the temporary pause caused by the Gaza war.

“Truth be told, I see so much that is extraordinary in Saudi Arabia that the extraordinary has become the ordinary,” he said on the Arab News current affairs program “Frankly Speaking,” referring to the star-studded “1001 Seasons of Elie Saab” fashion show on Nov. 14 as part of Riyadh Season 2024, which has drawn over 6 million visitors and turned the Saudi capital into a cultural and entertainment hub.

“Saudi Arabia must have what it needs to achieve its vision as a global node of progress, stability, interfaith relationships,” Roule said, noting that the Kingdom “is located in the center of so many pathways of global commerce and social exchange between India and Africa, between Europe and Asia.”

Calling for a more robust narrative strategy to dispel misconceptions and showcase Saudi Arabia’s impact, he underscored the importance of investing in media programs similar to “Frankly Speaking” to communicate the Kingdom’s vision “in English to the international community.”

“The world needs more of it, not just to understand what the Kingdom is doing in and of itself, but how those ambitions will shape the global society and the global economy. Understanding Saudi Arabia’s investments in green energy, along with those of the United Arab Emirates. It’s critical to the future of the planet for developing countries — for the Global North and the Global South,” Roule told Katie Jensen, the host of “Frankly Speaking.”

“Understanding how entertainment connects Europe to Asia, how it’s going to shape how people move in the world. That can only be done with more information being put out.”

Roule spoke of Saudi Arabia’s influence on critical issues, such as women’s empowerment and cultural exchange, stating that it can reach well beyond its borders, shaping developments across the region and even other continents. “The role of protecting women’s rights is not just a Saudi issue,” he said, “but I’d like to see Saudi Arabia’s influence touch Afghanistan and Africa.”

Roule also offered an enthusiastic assessment of NEOM — a key part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its economy beyond oil — describing it as a game-changer for Saudi Arabia’s future. The $500 billion futuristic city on the Red Sea is designed to address challenges like population growth and sustainability while leveraging the Kingdom’s strategic location near the Red Sea.

“NEOM is 90 minutes from Athens and about 60 kilometers from the Suez Canal,” he said, and noted that its vision includes carbon-neutral technologies, transformative trade hubs like Oxagon, and revolutionary urban designs such as The Line.

“So much of this has never been done before anywhere in the world. It will be amazing,” Roule said.

“When people talk about The Line, which is often how NEOM is described in the West, I tell them, first, NEOM is the size of Belgium or Massachusetts,” he said. “Only 5 percent of the territory can be developed. And I think they’ve mapped that about 4 percent.”

Looking ahead, he said: “I have no doubt it’s going to succeed — it will be amazing — but it may not succeed on the schedule that some might hope.”

Roule laud the work done by the ambassadors of Saudi Arabia and the US in their respective capitals to strengthen bilateral relations. “Michael Ratney is not only experienced, a superb Arabist, but he’s someone who has a deep knowledge and understanding and respect for the region,” he said. “He’s exactly the sort of ambassador the United States would hope to have in a position as consequential as this.

“At the same time, you have Saudi Ambassador Reema bint Bandar in Washington, who is extremely capable. She is a national treasure for both of our countries as we look to understand and work together.”

Roule praised the two ambassadors for encouraging American executives to visit Saudi Arabia, saying: “I have been with such executives at some of these meetings. If they’re fresh to the Kingdom, they’re delighted and amazed; if they don’t come often, they’re delighted and amazed.”

Ultimately, he said, “the success that we all hope to achieve is not a business deal; it’s a partnership on the broader ambitions of the Kingdom and the United States for regional stability and progress.”


UN official lauds KSrelief’s landmine work in Yemen

Updated 36 min 32 sec ago
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UN official lauds KSrelief’s landmine work in Yemen

  • The UN official emphasized the importance of continuing such humanitarian projects to achieve stability in Yemen and protect civilians

Riyadh: The UN special envoy’s military adviser to Yemen, Antony Hayward, praised the work carried out by Saudi aid agency KSrelief’s Project Masam to clear landmines in Yemen.

During his visit to the agency’s headquarters in Marib, he said that the project works to protect the lives of civilians and secure large areas of Yemeni territory despite the challenges posed by landmines.

The UN official emphasized the importance of continuing such humanitarian projects to achieve stability in Yemen and protect civilians, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Last week, meanwhile, members of Project Masam removed 840 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen, including anti-personnel mines, anti-tank mines and unexploded ordnance, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said 470,416 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are responsible for clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

About 5 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the start of the conflict in Yemen, many of them displaced by the presence of landmines.


Saudi culture minister engages with manga students in Tokyo

Updated 42 min 40 sec ago
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Saudi culture minister engages with manga students in Tokyo

  • Prince Badr highlighted the Saudi leadership’s strong commitment to developing human capabilities across various fields

Riyadh: Saudi Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan met Saudi scholarship students participating in the Manga Industry program in Tokyo.

The program, organized in collaboration between the commission and Manga Productions, a subsidiary of Misk Foundation, aims to develop talented manga artists through professional training rooted in Japanese techniques, the art form’s birthplace.

Prince Badr highlighted the Saudi leadership’s strong commitment to developing human capabilities across various fields, emphasizing the importance of academic and professional training in cultural disciplines.

The meeting was attended by the CEO of the commission, Mohammed Hasan Alwan, CEO of Manga Productions Essam Bukhary and students studying manga art at Kadokawa Contents Academy, a leading Japanese institution for training and recruiting manga talent.

The program offers virtual workshops, intensive training courses and overseas training in Japan. It also includes competitions blending manga with Saudi cultural themes, such as Munjanha, which transforms Arabic proverbs into manga stories; Manga Al-Qaseed, which adapts Arabic poetry; and Manga Al-Ibil, which celebrates the cultural symbolism of camels in Saudi heritage.

More than 1,850 participants have benefited from the program’s virtual workshops, with 115 advancing to intensive training, producing 115 manga stories. Of these, 21 students were selected for advanced training in Japan.


Umrah guests tour Madinah’s historic sites

Updated 48 min 17 sec ago
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Umrah guests tour Madinah’s historic sites

RIYADH: The first group of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program for Umrah and Visit toured the King Fahd Glorious Qur’an Printing Complex in Madinah.

The visit, part of a cultural program by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, aimed to enhance the cultural experience for visitors and Umrah performers in Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The pilgrims toured the complex’s technical and administrative departments, learning about the various stages of printing the Holy Qur’an, preservation efforts, and its translation into multiple languages.

The first group included 250 prominent Islamic figures from 12 countries, part of a total of 1,000 Umrah performers from 66 countries. The guests will visit over four groups as part of the program.

At the end of the visit, the complex representatives gifted copies of the Holy Qur’an to the guests.

The group also visited the Battle of Uhud site, Mount Al-Ramah, and the Uhud Martyrs’ Cemetery, learning about this historic turning point in Islam.

The program includes meetings with imams of the Prophet’s Mosque and renowned scholars.

Several guests expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for hosting them, thanking the ministry for the excellent services provided.

Hanafi bin Hamza from Malaysia praised the facilities and expressed joy at visiting the Kingdom. Norasni Binti Muhammad Suh, also from Malaysia, conveyed her gratitude for the program, while Rebuan bin Abdullah thanked the Saudi leadership for the initiative, highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment to serving Muslims worldwide.

Automaki from Japan called the program outstanding, appreciating the exceptional services and warm hospitality extended by the Saudi leadership.


Embracing the skies: Riyadh aviation show inspires next generation of pilots

Updated 23 November 2024
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Embracing the skies: Riyadh aviation show inspires next generation of pilots

  • Saudi Hot Air Balloon Federation’s first female pilot wants more women to sign up

RIYADH: The Saudi Hot Air Balloon Federation was among the top organizations at an aviation show that captivated the Kingdom’s capital with stunning aerobatic displays and an impressive lineup of aircraft.

Sand and Fun 2024, which concluded on Saturday at Thumamah Airport, showcased the Kingdom’s wide-ranging aviation sector.

The federation presented a collection of colorful hot air balloons to demonstrate the experience to adults and younger generations as part of the efforts to raise awareness about hot air ballooning and to inspire a new generation of pilots.

Sand and Fun 2024, which concluded on Saturday at Thumamah Airport, showcased the Kingdom’s wide-ranging aviation sector. (AN photo)

Among the pilots was Afrah Al-Harbi, the first female Saudi hot air balloon pilot to graduate from the federation.  

Al-Harbi is on a mission to cultivate a community of female pilots, encouraging women to explore the exhilarating world of hot air ballooning. Her story is an inspiring testament to the opportunities available to women in aviation and the importance of representation in this field.

“At the beginning, I was studying at the university, but the Saudi Hot Air Balloon Federation launched a training program to train balloon pilots,” she told Arab News. “Thank God, I registered, and I was accepted. After that, I started my studies to become a balloon captain. The federation covered the entire mission, which is considered a grant from the federation. I obtained the European EASA license, and then I also obtained the Saudi license from the General Authority of Civil Aviation.”

The five-day event at Thumamah Airport gave visitors the opportunity to meet pilots, learn about the intricacies of ballooning. (Supplied/Aviation Club)

The federation offers structured programs to equip aspiring pilots with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.  

Hot air balloons first appeared in the Kingdom in AlUla as part of the Winter at Tantora Festival in 2018. This event not only showcased the beauty of ballooning, but also laid the groundwork for the establishment of the federation.

The hot air balloon sport is known and famous worldwide. We need a type of it that people can take part in within the Kingdom, especially for global competitions.

Abdulrahman Al-Wahaibi, Saudi hot air balloon pilot

The organization plays a crucial role in promoting balloon culture and raising awareness of the sport.

The five-day event at Thumamah Airport gave visitors the opportunity to meet pilots, learn about the intricacies of ballooning. (Supplied/Aviation Club)

“We want to show people that hot air ballooning is not only fun, but also safe,” Al-Harbi said, emphasizing the importance of public perception in the growth of the sport.

Her career has included a visit to the Netherlands, where she underwent extensive training.

“My studies in the Netherlands were quite lengthy, but it was an incredibly enriching experience,” she said. “The training included both theoretical subjects and practical sessions to help us obtain our licenses.”

Abdulrahman Al-Wahaibi, Saudi hot air balloon pilot. (AN photo)

The rigorous training not only prepared Al-Harbi for the technical aspects of flying, but also instilled a deep appreciation of the art of ballooning.

Abdulrahman Al-Wahaibi also spoke about his journey in the world of hot air ballooning, which began was he was a student in Australia.

“I looked at a balloon for the first time in my life and was fascinated by its shape,” he told Arab News. “I had to try the experience, so I did, as a passenger. The experience was beautiful, and I thought we needed this in Saudi Arabia. At that time, Saudi Arabia did not have hot air balloons.”

Among the pilots was Afrah Al-Harbi, the first female Saudi hot air balloon pilot to graduate from the federation. (AN photo)

Al-Wahaibi dedicated himself to bringing the ballooning experience back to Saudi Arabia, sharing it with family, friends, and the community.

This included studying aerospace engineering and breaking records in Australia for the fastest training period. He expressed pride in being part of the first Arab country to take part in international hot air balloon competitions, highlighting the significant strides made by the Saudi Hot Air Balloon Federation.

“The hot air balloon sport is known and famous worldwide,” Al-Wahaibi said. “We need a type of it that people can take part in within the Kingdom, especially for global competitions.”

Sand and Fun 2024, which concluded on Saturday at Thumamah Airport, showcased the Kingdom’s wide-ranging aviation sector. (AN photo)

His vision aligns with the federation’s mission to broaden participation and elevate the sport on an international level.

Based in AlUla, the Saudi Hot Air Balloon Federation plans festivals designed to integrate the natural environment and the grandeur of the historic landmarks of ancient civilizations such as Hegra.

The five-day event at Thumamah Airport gave visitors the opportunity to meet pilots, learn about the intricacies of ballooning, and even experience the thrill of a balloon ride.

With inspiring pilots such as Al-Harbi and Al-Wahaibi at the helm, the outlook for hot air ballooning in the years to come looks as bright as the skies adorned with colorful balloons.