Dubai: It was a colourful morning, when a group of 40 children ages ranging from six to 11 years, walked into the Gulf News office in Al Safa, to mark the middle of Sha’aban, also known as Haq Al Laila.
Dressed in bright traditional gowns and jewellery, the children went around the newsroom and other departments greeting people asking for treats and saying in unison: “Aatoona Allah Yatikum, Beit Makkah yuwadikum. ” This translates to: “Give us and in return God will reward you, you will be able to go to Makkah as one of your rewards.”
This is an old practice of celebrating the 15th day of Sha’aban, the eighth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, in the month before Ramadan. Children dress up and go to family and friends asking for treats.
As per an earlier Gulf News report, this marks the start of when families start making their preparations for the coming month of fasting. On this night, Muslims perform special prayers called Nawaafil, recite verses from the Quran, and seek forgiveness.
Gulf News visitors were pupils of Jumeirah School, which is registered with Red Crescent as volunteers in Dubai. They were accompanied by Ahmad Khamis and Mariam Al Zarouni, volunteers with Red Crescent in Dubai and a few teachers.
Mariam Al Murr Bin Huraiz, manager of the volunteer department at Red Crescent, spoke to Gulf News about how such events help promote a cultural understanding among people, especially among pupils. She said: “These days children have gone far away from culture and tradition, I feel that we need to bring them back to their roots. We need to promote such cultural celebrations among the children and push them to engage with society.
“Media should also use such opportunities to help people understand the correct way to celebrate before Ramadan. Just like the children made staff in the newsroom happy, if this is practised in society, they will help to spread happiness before Ramadan.”
According to her, this is not the first time Red Crescent has promoted such events, but this year they planned something different so that more people would be made aware through media.
She added: “Red crescent envisions more cultural activity for children in the future.”
