CANNONS will be fired across Bahrain to signal the beginning of Ramadan, it has been confirmed.
An Interior Ministry official said cannons had been set up near Arad Fort in Muharraq, Riffa Fort and at The Avenues Bahrain.
Cannons will be fired daily all month to signal the beginning and the end of the fasting period.
People can visit the three locations to witness the cannon firing while adhering to social distancing and wearing face masks.
The events will also be broadcast live on Bahrain Television.
Additional patrols will be deployed, particularly to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.
The Al Fateh Mosque in Juffair will be opened for the Isha (evening) and Taraweeh (special prayers in Ramadan) throughout the holy month.
However, the Friday prayers (Isha and Taraweeh) will be limited to the imam and up to five other people who all have to wear face masks.
Some historians believe the custom of firing the Ramadan cannon dates back as far as 10th century Egypt, when one of the Fatimid caliphs ordered a cannon be placed on Cairo’s Muqatam Hill so all Muslims would hear the signal to break their fasts.
During Ramadan, Muslims are supposed to abstain from food, drink, sex and smoking during daylight hours to cleanse their bodies and minds, bringing them closer to God.
Anyone caught eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight faces arrest and prosecution – with sentences of up to a year in jail and BD100 fines.
The GDN reported yesterday new guidelines were issued for Ramadan that limits Iftar (breaking fast) to small gatherings.
In addition, public Iftar events such as distribution of meals, ghabgas, majlises and gargaoun have been banned as a precautionary measure against Covid-19.
The public have also been urged to make the zakat donations online.
However, restaurants and sheesha cafes will continue to be limited to takeout or deliveries.
Meanwhile, the GDN has learnt that for the first time Ramadan tents will not be allowed in neighbourhoods.
A spokesman for the Civil Defence directorate said no licences were being issued to set up Ramadan tents.
“In line with precautionary measures, the decisions of the co-ordination committee to fight coronavirus and the order of Interior Minister No 53 of 2020 of banning public gatherings, the department is committed to not issue any licence for Ramadan tents,” he told the GDN.
“The Civil Defence calls upon the public to follow the social distancing instructions for their safety and the safety of others.”
Ramadan tents are popular among families and companies, who hold ghabga or private events and also serve as a meeting point for visitors during the evenings.
Every year tents are erected by residents in Muharraq, Riffa, Isa Town, Budaiya and Hamad Town.
sandy@gdn.com.bh
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