Ramadan in Yemeni Cities [Archives:2000/50/Culture]
TAIZ
Habits and traditions during Ramadan in Taiz are similar to those in other governorates of the Republic. But still are there some daily pictures that might distinguish it from the others.
Celebrating the Ramadan Hilal (Crescent)
People await the emergence of the Ramadan Hilal impatiently. When it appears, they start singing the glory of the holy month. Children, especially in the country side, sometimes go on singing and playing until morning.
Al-Mawaled (religious songs)
During the evenings people get together to sing mystical songs or listen to recorded ones. Songs are usually accompanied by a drum. In districts like Hujariah, Saber and Sharaab poems of Sufi leaders are sung in groups. Mawaled sometimes includes lectures, sermons, etc.
Sahoor.
It is the last meal people have before they start fasting. Following this they do not eat or drink until sunset. In the countryside Al-Sahoor is usually announced by some people either by calling for it or by beating drums owing to the absence of electricity and microphones.
Ramadan Canon
It is that by which people recognize the Iftar and Sahoor times. The canon is placed in a small village overlooking the Al-Qahirah historic fortress.
Common Habits
Most people go to bed after Al-Fajr (dawn) prayers. They sleep for a few hours and then go to work. In the afternoons they go shopping and to buy Qat.
Women
Women do not go out much during Ramadan except for urgent things. They are mostly busy doing the house-work. In the countryside they wear different clothes and avoid cosmetics to show their commitment to worshipping.
Group Iftar
Prior to the Iftar time people gather at mosques with their Iftar requirements to break fasting in groups. In cities, Iftar meals are sometimes provided by charitable societies as a help to students, workers and the poor.
Other Virtues
Relatives and friends intensify their visits and meetings during Ramadan nights. And neighbors often exchange meals with one another. Generally speaking, a sense of love and kindness prevails.
Kinds of meals
Iftar meal is often composed of a few dates, soup, samosa, coffee and water. For dinner they have shafoot, porridge, Hulbah and soup. People usually have Rwani for Iftar which is a cake made of flour and eggs and is covered with honey.
Dressing
Men often wear tall white dishdashas, head scarves and jambias.
Nights
Many youths go to mosques to perform Ramadan special prayers (Taraweeh) after Iftar. Then they join religious sessions either at mosques or at the houses of some Islamic scholars. Others go for entertainment in clubs, streets, cafés or watch TV. For women they watch TV, listen to radio or visit one another.
ADEN
The special rituals, traditions and habits practiced during Ramadan in Arab as well as Islamic countries add a special flavor to this holy month. People are more passionate and considerate. And they devote the greatest part of their time to warship Allah.
In Yemen almost all governorates live the same daily pictures with a little difference. Life turns upside down with days turning nights and vice-versa. Markets are full of many kinds of foodstuffs. And people purchase more of those kinds. After the Iftar life begins again. People visit each other or set before the TV watching the special programs for Ramadan.
In Aden many people get together to talk about many issues on society, culture, literature, religion, etc. More than 25 forums exist here.
In a survey including 15 it was clear that people concentrate in this month on reading the Holy Quran and about prophet Mohammed, recalling events that took place during the same time in history, visiting relatives and friends, trade, exercising, etc.
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