A gift box received by Max before he was quarantined
I did not expect to be in Bahrain for Ramadan this year as my flight was booked for the Philippines for 14th Feb. However I learnt the day before that I would be sent back without a visa, so cancelled my flight and remained in Bahrain. My friends persuaded me to subdue my anger, frustration and disappointment at not being able to retire in the Philippines just yet, and make the most of this transition period. Then Ramadan came along and it reminded me of all that is best about Bahrain. It's a time of prayer, giving to charity, being with your family, and following the cannons announcing sunset, the famous Iftar Buffet. Here are some of my highlights from this year....
Three of the 5 pillars of Islam are:
Prayer (salat). ...
- Alms (zakat). ...
- Fasting (sawm). ..
Prayer (salat). ...
With a Mosque next to my flat I heard the call to prayer five times a day and watched the followers of Islam come to pray. On Friday they spilled out into the street. I admire their devotion to their faith which is so evident in this Holy Month.
Prayers on the first day of Eid at 5.30 am
The prayer times today ( 5.5.21) are:
Just as the sun starts to set the kids come out to play - having been indoors most of the day to keep away from the heat ( currently 35- 38 degrees ) and to study the Quoran.
The kids enjoying some exercise as the sun sets before they pray and break the fast ( the younger ones are exempted from fasting and it is up to the parents when they start).
The Cannon fired nightly at sunset by the Ministry of the Interior
Then everyone heads out to eat as the cannons announces the sun has set. There are 3 cannons across Bahrain at Arad fort ( above), Riffa Fort, and The Avenues. The cannon firing is very ceremonial and everyone ( apart from Neil 1) loves to watch. You can read more about the history behind the cannon here:
This year has seen a dramatic increase in food delivery services like Talabat but as I was challenged not to use Talabat this year ( easy victory Chester as I have never used them in 11 years here!) I prefer to go and collect my own. One of my regular food collection places this year was the Frying Scotsman in Adilya which does amazing fish and chips ( hand made and fried while you watch) , Roast Chicken Dinners and Steak Pies with gravy and chips! They have a new menu coming out soon with scotch eggs, pasties and other favorites from my homeland.
Frying my chips at the Frying Scotsman as the sun sets
My Bahraini friends headed for Shawarma from the Shawarma alley, also in Adilya where the guys ( and one sweet Indian girl) in brightly coloured tee shirts and baseball caps will take your order from your car and deliver it seconds later as the other impatient drivers honk their horns behind!
Shawarma alley as the sun sets- the car hops waiting for any passing car!
On a couple of nights I headed out to eat at Dome or Nando's in American Alley, and twice at Tony Roma at Al Najma club. I also went for a few Thai meals with friends including Shabo Shabo ( barbecue and soup cooked at the table in Hora. ) and two meals at Thailand Seafood ( deserted- see below) in Bussatein.
Our big night out was at The Four Seasons hotel in Bahrain Bay where six of us worked our way through dates and bread, cold and hot starters, Soup, a selection of main courses and some amazing desserts . The service and food was excellent, the setting beautiful, there was a light sea breeze and some great company- certainly one of the best meals I have had in Bahrain and a night to remember.
Alms (zakat)- It was good to see Facebook posts from my friend Max at the start of Ramadan. It was his first Ramadan in Bahrain and he was excited to receive a charity box at work and posted pictures of all the contents.
The Ramadan box that Max and colleagues received
Then when he tested positive for Cov 19 and was quarantined I had an outlet for my charitable contributions for Ramadan buying him food, snacks, and other things he needed, as well as lending him a book and making him chicken curry. I felt good delivering these to his hotel to be left outside his room but sad to see his masked face waving out of his 4th floor window, knowing I could not share Ramadan with him.
- Fasting (sawm). ..
So all and all it has been an action packed Ramadan- my last one in Bahrain Inshallah. I did try fasting for two separate days but found it very hard. I think on reflection I prefer the part of Ramadan that comes after sunset! Eating!
My best wishes to all my friends around the world who are followers of Islam and my thanks for allowing us to share your pillars of faith and traditions like the Cannon and the Iftar with you.
And now as Ramadan comes to a close we celebrate with Eid, and you can read all about that in a forthcoming Blog.
All that remains for now is to wish you and your families, wherever you are, Eid Mubarak!
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Hello, I am The British Kabayan! Feel free to read my stories.
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