The long-standing cherished tradition of cannon fire across Bahrain will signal the beginning of Ramadan today.
An Interior Ministry official confirmed yesterday that cannons will be set up at four locations – Arad Fort in Muharraq, Abu Subh beach in Duraz, Eid prayer area in Hunainiya Valley, Riffa and The Avenues-Bahrain.
The cannons will be in position from 4pm, and later fired while adhering to all safety protocols.
Cannons will be fired daily during the holy month to signal the beginning and the end of the fasting period.
People can visit the four locations to witness the sundown spectacle which will also be broadcast live on Bahrain Television.
The tradition has become so popular that hordes of families visit the sites every day.
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.
Bahraini astronomical researcher Ali Al Hajari previously said that Muslims in Bahrain will fast for up to 398 hours and 35 minutes this year, representing about 55 per cent of the month.
This means people in the country will fast for about 13 hours per day on average, which aligns with the GCC average of about 13.5 hours per day.
The fasting duration will increase by about one minute and 25 seconds per day.
In comparison, Muslims in Northern Europe, including Iceland, Sweden, Norway and Finland, may fast for up to 19 hours per day, depending on their location, making these among the longest fasting durations in the world.
As for the shortest time, Muslims in Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, South Africa, and other southern countries, will typically fast for about 12 hours.
The GDN reported that more than 200 traders have ensured adequate stock of food and meat supplies, while pledging to maintain price stability during the holy month.
The Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry has launched a package of religious and community programmes in Ramadan, targeting various segments of society.
Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry assistant under-secretary for Islamic Affairs Judge Shaikh Omar bin Duaij Al Khalifa said the ministry has prepared a range of programmes, including radio and television productions.
A television programme titled Layali Mudhee’a will be presented by Dr Mohammed Fouad Al Kuwari and Shaikh Abdulaziz Adel Al Maawda. Two radio programmes will also be broadcast: Bisharat Al Nabi, presented by Shaikh Majid Al Balooshi, and Qur’anan Arabiyan, presented by Dr Mahmood Adam, in co-ordination with the Information Ministry.
Ahmed Al Fateh Islamic Centre chairman Nawaf Al Rashid announced that comprehensive preparations have been completed with the mosque fully equipped to host Taraweeh and Qiyam prayers.
He said this year’s prayers will be led by a select group of prominent Bahraini clerics and Quran reciters, including Shaikh Ali Salah Al Omar, Dr Anas Isa Al Emadi, Abdulla Isa Janahi, Hamza Muath, Salman Al Nafeei, Ahmed Al Saadi, Mohammed Adnan Al Omari and Abdullah Al Anzi. The prayers will be broadcast live on the Holy Quran Channel of Bahrain Television.
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