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.
