Ramadan Kareem!
First, greetings! Ramadan Kareem to all our Muslim brothers and sisters around here at Hive.
Today's post is just going to be quick (unless I find myself blabbering too much again). It's really just to share my experience watching the cannon firing at Umm Al Emarat Park, Abu Dhabi last week on the first day of Ramadan.
I've shared several Ramadan posts in the past about my experiences as an observer through the years. This one is a first for me.
Cannon Firing
Cannon firing is a prevailing tradition in Muslim countries where a cannon is fired to signal the end of the fasting day and the start of Iftar. From what I gather, this is also to benefit those who are far and could not hear the mosque's call to prayer.
A few days before the start of Ramadan in the UAE, they announced several places where cannons would be fired at Iftar. In Abu Dhabi, it would be at:
- Qasr Al Hosn
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Al Shahama City in Formula parking
- Umm Al Emarat Park
We live close to Umm Al Emarat Park and this is where I keep my car most of the time (free parking, people!). It so happened that I was there to park my car on the first day of Ramadan at around 6:00 pm and Iftar was at around 6:35 pm.
They were just setting up at the time so I decided to take a walk around the park while I waited.
I turned around as I reached the corner with Mariam Umm Eisa (Mary Mother of Jesus) Mosque right in front of me, being kissed by the setting sun. I reckon at the rate I was walking, I may not be able to make a full round the park in time.
I just have to say how much I admire and respect the UAE for allowing such diversity and openness for people to express their own faiths.
All Set
It's almost time. People started to gather near the gate of the Umm Al Emarat Park. The security guards ushered the people so that they could watch the tradition safely.
Looking back, I have to say, I should have also covered my ears like these kids. You could say, I was ready, but not ready for the very loud booming cannon sound!
The guards (not sure how the called) marched towards the cannon and loaded it. Everyone waited patiently and quietly for the call to prayer. It was just like that for about two minutes or so.
Then...
FIRE!
It was so loud you would notice how my video suddenly went wonky as I was still shook with surprise. Then, it was over. At least for us spectators. But for our Muslim brothers and sisters, it was time for prayer and to break their fast.
This activity is on for the whole month of Ramadan from the locations I have mentioned above and in other Emirates too. I am still trying to convince the kids to come with me one of these days for them to at least witness this tradition this in person.
All photos are owned by the author.
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I never knew about Ramadan but only now I heard about this tradition!
Seemed you have been living in the UAE for a long time.
Hi Lhes! Yes, I've been living in the UAE since 2005. Built our noisy, little (not so little)family here as well.
Ramadan is a Holy Month of prayer for the Muslims. They fast during the day (from sun up to sun set) no food or water.
Hehe, I mean the firing of canon 😁
Hahaha. I see. 😆
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It must be interesting being in Abu Dhabi and witnessing Ramadan. Indonesian have similar culture during ramadan too but this year, I won't be coming home for the festival and most likely won't be celebrating it with my family either 😁. What about shops over there? do the close in the morning and only open after Iftaar?
Actually,it has changed a lot over the years. Before, restaurants are closed and are only available for delivery but now they are open for Non muslims. Even food courts in the mall are open throughout the day.
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That is quite an opener to the commencement of Ramadan in Abu Dhabi. Must be very exciting especially on the first day of Ramadan 😊
Ah, this is one of the traditions I knew about but didn't witness. In Libya we don't do The Cannon of Iftar anymore, but they used to fire it in the past.
We say however that "The Cannon has been Fired" when we talk about the time of Breakfast in Ramadan. our TV channels show a 3D cannon being fired channels as well.
It's one of the weird, but cool traditions in Muslim societies, even though it isn't part of Islam teachings, it became part of our culture. Thanks for sharing about it. @arrliinn
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Thank you, @ahmadmanga! It's really interesting and I am really glad to have the chance to experience it. Growing up, I knew nothing about Islam. I still don't know a lot until now, but to know bits about it and some traditions is already enriching.
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