HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: The holy fasting month of Ramadan is
being observed in Iraq like other countries with supplications and
prayers for peace and stability.
Holy Najaf – home to the holy shrine of Imam Ali (AS) - is one of the
most important religious centers and it observes the holy month of
Ramadan in a unique manner.
Visitation to the Al-Imam Ali (Haidari) shrine gets an increase from
fatour (fast break time) till dawn.
People shop groceries for their iftaar and sahour tables despite high
prices. Bakeries sell special kinds of halveyaat (sweets) that include
“ad-dahiniyah”. This halva (dessert) is made of flour, sugar, almond
oil and animal fats.
Further spiritual environment covers Holy Najaf and holy Karbala
during Ramadan days and nights as majales al-azaiyah, zekriyah and
qoraniyah (Husseini and Quranic gatherings) continue throughout the
nights at the holy shrines and offices of Maraje.
In Holy Karbala and Najaf, rich throw wajbatol iftaar or iftaar meals
for common people and particularly in the guest houses of A’immah
Atahaar (holy progeny of holy prophet, peace be upon them).
