Author: Marisa Lopez Chicote SUHOOR DRUMMERS: THE MESHARATIS
Author: Marisa López
Our post today will be about MESHARATI. Drummers dressed in traditional Ottoman costume, including a fez and vest that are both adorned with traditional motifs.
During the entire month of Ramadan, one or two hours before Fajr (the moment when the fasting hours begin), some percussionists drummers called MESHARATIS populate the streets of CAIRO and go through the streets playing their drums and singing traditional old verses.
This tradition has existed for centuries, it is believed that it has lasted for 6 centuries and has survived to until the present period despite the technological revolution that we now enjoy such as alarm clocks, mobile phones and other gadgets.
Origin
Historians disagree on its exact origin.
Historian Abdelmajid Abdul Aziz said that Mesaharati first appeared in Egypt during the Fatimid dynasty, possibly the most flourishing period for Ramadan celebrations.
According to the 15th century Egyptian historian Mohammed bin Iyas, the profession began in the days of Caliph Bi’amr Allah, who ordered citizens to sleep immediately after the Taraweeh prayer.
He then would send his soldiers in the early hours, knock on doors and shout before the Fajr prayers began, to wake up the people for the suhoor.
Abdul Aziz recounts that the Egyptian governor Ibn Ishaq was the first to individually perform the task professionally in 832 AH (1432 CE).
He would walk from the city of Fustat to the Mosque of Amr ibn Al-Aas and shout: “O worshipers of Allah, eat. Suhoor is a blessing “
After the end of Ramadan, the MESHARATIS go through each house in the neighborhood where they performed their services to collect the contributions of each neighbor.
Unfortunately, this tradition faces extinction as fewer and fewer people are drawn to the role, and technology supplants it.
As an individual, I really hope the practice continues because it seems like a precious tradition to me.
Did MESHARATIS pass through your neighborhood? For mine, they still pass. You can share your views and articles with us. Check out the articles on our blog for ideas.
About the Author: Marisa Lopez Chicote is an event planner and mother of 5, living in Cairo and Muslim since 1985, alhamdullah. She loves travelling and cooking.
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