One of the largest gatherings in Sudan is the annual celebration of ‘al-Mawlid al-Nabawi’ (the Prophet’s birthday).
The ‘Mawlid’ in Sudan is commemorated in a festive ambience and involves ‘zikir’, ‘madih’, drumming sessions and other forms of performances.
The open-air venues are decorated with lights, floors are furnished with prayer rugs and Sufi flags are positioned all around the area. From children who enjoy the assorted sweets and candy in the shapes of brides and knights in horses, to adults who sip sweet tea and engage in the Sufi ceremonials, to travelers, tourists and photographers who attend to experience the local religious carnival, the ‘Mawlid’ is attended by people from all ages, orders and ethnicities.
The ‘Mawlid’ even welcomes non-Sufis, who are often present in large numbers. The richer members of the community donate food, and the less fortunate mingle with the rest, enjoy free meals, juice and tea, and join in the chants.
While each Sufi order has its own distinct style, all are, to an extent, similar in terms of their impeccable hospitality, generosity and provoking a mood of spiritual joyousness among the masses.
There’s a common belief in Sudan, “If a family does not have at least one Sufi member, it’s not Sudanese.” This may indubitably be the case, granted that Sudan has more Sufi Muslims than any other country in the world, and the number is expanding. Sufism is noticeably entrenched in the Sudanese community, and many think of it as a way of life.
‘Zikir’ (exercises of remembrance) and ‘madih nabawi’ (poems in praise of the Prophet) are often heard on the streets, in public buses and taxis, in shops and restaurants, and on local radio stations and television channels.
‘Zikir’ and other Sufi practices form part of the weekly Sufi rituals which bring together Sufis from all walks of life, regardless of class and other differences.
Al-Mawlid is accompanied by preparations in the market as the commercial movement flourish during the days of the celebrations and even after that. The demand on local and imported candies increases and the families express keenness to buy Al-Mawlid special sweets and candies to their kids.
Several families in Khartoum State are famous in manufacturing Al-Mawlid special sweets, such as Sayed Makki, Arman, Al-Sir Al-Maghrabi, Yousif Al-Faki and others.
Sudan Vision met with Uncle Mirghani Musa Mohammed who is specialized in Al-Mawlid sweets manufacturing and in particular Al-Mawlid Bride and the horses.
He explained how he inherited the job from his grandfathers adding that the manufacturing is very expensive due to the hikes in the prices of sugar.
[Click on the title to the original article with more pictures (ed.)]
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment