HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: The holy fasting month of Ramadan
has begun in Iraq on Monday with prayers for peace and
stability.
The office of Al-Marje Al-A’ala Ayatullah Sayyed Ali Husseini
As-Sistani in the holy city of Najaf said in a statement:
"There was no formal sighting of the crescent (moon), so
Sunday is the final day of the month of Sha’aban and Monday
the first day of Ramadan."
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 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 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 iftaar tables for common
people and particularly in the guest houses of A’immah Atahaar
(holy progeny of holy prophet, peace be upon them).
