Ramadan cannons in Qatar 2022
An age old Islamic tradition that was known to have started in Egypt is the Madfa al iftar, meaning "cannon for breaking the fast," Daily, minutes before the Maghrib adhan, a cannon would fire a single shot to denote the start of Ramadan, when Muslims would be able to break their long day of fasting as the sun set.
Most historians agree that the practice began in Egypt in the 10th century, when one of the Fatimid caliphs ordered the placement of a cannon on Cairo's Muqatam Hill so that all Muslims might hear the signal to break their fasts. Others date the tradition to the Mamluk king Sayf ad-Din Khushqadam in the 15th century, but the most famous narrative dates it to the Ottoman emperor Muhammad Ali's tenure in the 19th century.
The shooting of the Ramadan cannon is a tradition in Qatar and other Islamic countries such as Kuwait, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, among others.
Meaning of the tradition
The discharge of the cannon was initially used to warn the entire city of the hour of Iftar, prior to the invention of clocks, televisions, or telephones, and is still done in most regions of the Arab world today. The cannon is first fired to mark the beginning of Ramadan, and then each day at sundown to mark the completion of the fast at maghrib prayers.
In Qatar
The Qatari Armed Forces carry out the processes to fire the Ramadan cannon at five places throughout the country with great pride and refuge. Right after hearing the Maghrib call to prayer, the cannon is fired as a symbol to notify the people to break their fasts. This tradition is witnessed by many people with awe and joy. Children all over the country along with their loved ones gather to see this delightful event take place.
Families are also allowed to click pictures as a mark of remembrance with the cannon.
Following are the five locations at which the cannon is fired during the Holy month of Ramadan in Qatar this year:
Lusail Marina
Souq Waqif
Souq Al Wakrah
Grand Mosque
Katara
During the first ten days of Ramadan, the Iftar cannon was fired at all these five locations. Post that, the cannon has been seen fired at Souq Wakrah and Souq Waqif.
The cannon is very popular among all Muslim people because it is a part of the people's history, it is a source of joy, and it bears witness to unforgettable moments in the country's history.
Here in Qatar, it is a way of keeping the spirit of Ramadan alive!
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