Cannons will be fired across Bahrain today signalling the start of Ramadan.
An Interior Ministry official confirmed yesterday that cannons will be set up at four locations – Arad Fort in Muharraq, Bahrain Fort in Karbabad, Abu Subh beach in Duraz and Riffa Fort.
Cannons will be fired daily all month to signal the beginning and the end of the fasting period, which extends from 4.33am to 5.45pm today.
People can visit the four locations to witness the spectacle which will also be broadcast live on Bahrain Television.
The tradition has become a popular event with hordes of families visiting the sites every day.
In view of this, additional patrols will be deployed, particularly to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.
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.
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