Ramadan with tambourine and Sufi poems

By Ansam Al-Saqqaf - Yemen Times - Sana'a, Yemen
Monday, September 25, 2006

The collective fasting by Muslims in countries around the world indicates Islam’s vigor and majesty.

Ramadan in Taiz is no different than Ramadan in Aden, Damascus, Saudi Arabia or Iran because there’s a common factor and one conduct by all. Everywhere in the Arab and Islamic world, the month-long annual guest is welcomed warmly.

However, Ramadan has a special flavor in Taiz that’s different from all other Yemeni cities. Nice weather and residents, as well as varied public rituals, prompt many to prefer spending Ramadan there.

Ramadan’s coming creates a change within individuals, who receive it with special cheerfulness and joy. Further, their relations with each other improve and enemies reconcile as they exchange greetings and shake hands with friends and neighbors.

Anticipation of Ramadan new moon (Hilal) and mawlid Toward the end of the month of Sha’ban, both young and old patiently await the advent of Ramadan signaled by the new moon (Hilal). In many areas of Taiz, residents receive it with welcoming hymns mostly associated with Sufi spiritual and mystic poetry.

During Ramadan, a chanter beating a tambourine will recite a poem with attendees repeating after him. Most poems chanted are those of famed Sufi poet, Ahmed Bin Al-Wan.

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