Ramadan throughout the ages... a Ramadan day with the Abbasids

Weather of Arabia - Since the dawn of Islam, the month of Ramadan has witnessed many developments that were affected by eras, policies, and countries, which affected the customs and traditions of Muslims related to fasting.

The obligation began with the revelation of the Holy Messenger (may God bless him and grant him peace) in the second year of the Hijra, when God commanded the believers to fast as He had imposed on previous nations, so that this would be a reason for their piety.

During the era of the Rightly Guided Caliphs, worship witnessed development, as Caliph Omar bin Al-Khattab, may God be pleased with him, organized Tarawih prayers in congregation, following the Sunnah of the Prophet, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, and the Rightly Guided Caliphs. With the progress of the ages, celebrations flourished on the nights of Ramadan , especially during the reign of Caliph Harun Al-Rashid, one of the Caliphs. The Abbasid era, which was characterized by piety and religiosity, was believed to have performed voluntary prayers frequently, and to prepare banquets and celebrations in his palace and public gardens to spread joy and happiness in the hearts of the people, while ensuring the correct performance of worship.

Whereas in the Abbasid era , the month of Ramadan flourished as a beautiful and beloved month, as the caliphs of the Abbasid state gave it special attention and gave it a high status in Islamic culture and traditions. This month had distinctive rituals that reflected the Islamic and social spirit of the era, including:

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Distinctive Ramadan rituals in the Abbasid era

In the Abbasid era, the month of Ramadan was characterized by distinctive rituals that reflected the Islamic and cultural spirit of that ancient time period. These rituals varied and mixed between worship and social traditions, which gave this month a special and unique touch. Below, we will review some of the distinctive Ramadan rituals that were part of people’s lives in that ancient time period.

Scan the crescent

At that time, the Caliph himself was supervising the sighting of the crescent before the beginning of Ramadan, visiting the astronomical observatory to observe the crescent.

Check out the mosques

On the first day of Ramadan, the Abbasid Caliph and a group of judges go around to inspect the lighting and preparations of the mosques, and the state takes measures to provide incense, camphor, and musk to decorate the mosques.

Check out those in need

The caliphs distribute food and money to free shops to the poor and needy in person.

Increase salaries

The Abbasid caliphs pay additional salaries in Ramadan to employees, scholars, orphans, and others.

Group breakfast

A group iftar is held in the palaces of the Abbasid caliphs on some days of Ramadan to break the fast for Muslims.

Individual breakfast

A number of Abbasid caliphs preferred to isolate themselves on some days of Ramadan and break their fast in the dome of their palaces.

Disguise

A number of caliphs disguised themselves to inspect the conditions of the Muslims, including Harun al-Rashid and Caliph al-Mustansir.

Tarawih procession

A special procession is held for the Abbasid caliphs as they go to perform Tarawih prayers.

Favorite mosques

The Abbasid caliphs preferred different mosques in different countries. The caliphs of Baghdad preferred the Al-Mansur Mosque, the caliphs of Samarra preferred the Al-Malwiya Mosque, and the caliphs of Egypt preferred the Sayyida Nafisa Mosque.

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Sources:

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