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Yemenat
18-04-2025
- General
- Yemenat
The Shrine of the Two Sheikhs
Sheikh Huyay, or Sheikh Yahya, is honored with a shrine situated on a small hill in Wadi Sabih. This shrine is enclosed by a room and two domes, which are painted white with lime in the days leading up to the 'Mawlid' celebration. Each year, the paint is refreshed at the designated time. The whitewashing imparts an air of grandeur and reverence to the place; its bright brilliance comforts visitors, making them feel accompanied. Gazing upon the shrine, one finds it majestic and captivating, whether by day or night. A voice seems to urge you to pause: 'Stop for a moment… there is something worthy of your attention.' Within the room lies the grave of Sheikh Huyay, alongside that of the servant he owned, who evidently held a significant place in his heart, perhaps even more than his own family. This is evident from the servant's grave being positioned next to his, along with the fact that he inherited a third of Sheikh Huyay's estate by will. A 'shib' known as 'Shib al-Abid' is said to have been designated for him in that will. Nearby, along the room's length, rests the grave of Sheikh Huyay's wife, a simple flat grave without a marker. As Al Mawlid of Sheikh Huyay approaches, an announcement known as 'Al-Tatreeb' is made, signaling the event that occurs on a Thursday. This announcement is proclaimed from a high vantage point in the market, beginning with the phrase, 'The present knows the absent…' I recall eagerly awaiting the passing of the year during my childhood, yearning for the arrival of this celebration with all my heart. My childhood longing would ignite in a way that was unparalleled; attending this event filled me with indescribable joy. Al Mawlid resembled a grand carnival, attracting a large crowd. Happiness enveloped the children, creating memories that would linger forever. During Al Mawlid, the mountain housing the shrine appeared vibrant, reminiscent of a Christmas tree adorned with sparkling lights. The mountain seemed draped in shells, pearls, and colorful stars of the sea, filled with attendees in bright attire. Flags fluttered high in various gatherings, some carried as people ascended the path to the shrine. These flags draped over the shrine, bestowing an air of majesty and dignity upon it, akin to a king on the day of his coronation. Joy illuminated the faces of all who attended. At the foot of the mountain, people gathered beneath the shade of the massive, leafy 'Humar' trees. Nearby, the shrine of Sheikh Ahmad rests amidst the lively bustle of buying and selling. Life here is vibrant and flowing, a lively contrast to the year of silence that preceded it. It feels as though everyone—both the living and the dead—celebrates this day together. Animals are sacrificed, and people enjoy a communal meal, lingering until the gathering begins to disperse. In the afternoon or the day before, the crowd gathers at the foot of the mountain to form a line, beginning their ascent toward the shrine of Sheikh Huyay atop the hill. The crowd moves slowly, pulsating with light, more splendid than a thousand grooms. The actions of the possessed captivate the childhood imagination in unforgettable wonder. I still vividly recall the possessed man starting to tremble. He drew his dagger from its sheath, placing the hilt in his left hand while gripping the blade with his right. He tilted it toward his eyes, as if searching for a secret or revelation waiting for its moment. They said he was awaiting the signal that would allow him to enter the depths of 'jathb' (ecstasy). He began to sway like a branch in the wind or a camphor tree in a storm. Then, he knelt and struck his shoulders with the blade, yet no blood or marks were visible.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
YAHOO POLL: Does Singapore need another public holiday?
Workers' Party (WP) MP Jamus Lim recently reignited the debate on whether Thaipusam should be reinstated as a public holiday. Thaipusam was initially a recognised holiday but was removed in 1968 when the government cut the number of public holidays to promote efficiency. The decision was based on consultations with various religious leaders and economic considerations. Other polls YAHOO POLL: Are you up for the $100,000 treasure hunt challenge in Sentosa? YAHOO POLL: Are Singaporean couples too busy to make babies? YAHOO POLL: Is it okay if the guy uses CDC vouchers to pay for the first date? Along with other holidays like Easter Monday and Mawlid (Prophet Muhammad's birthday), Thaipusam was sacrificed for the sake of Singapore's competitiveness. Lim argues that with Singapore's economic growth, the time has come to restore this religious observance, particularly for the Hindu community. On the other hand, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) defended that the current holiday balance, citing careful deliberation made at Singapore's independence that encouraged employers to allow flexibility for religious observances. What do you think? Should there be another a public holiday in Singapore? Have your say and take the poll. Related: After MP Jamus Lim calls for Thaipusam public holiday return, Singapore ministry says up to employers to allow religious worship Public holidays in Singapore 2025: How to get 48 days of holiday using 15 days of annual leave No plans to review annual leave entitlements for now: Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Why Thaipusam is no longer a public holiday in Singapore
CairoScene
13-02-2025
- General
- CairoScene
A Spiritual Soirée in Historic Cairo During Mawlid Al-Sayeda Zaynab
Wandering through Old Cairo's narrow streets, where whirling men, sweet treats, and devotion paint Mawlid Al-Sayeda Zaynab. 12:00 AM We reach Port Said Street, right at the intersection with Mohamed Kadri Basha Street. My friends and I head towards the ancient mosque of. Struck by the busy Port Said street, thousands of people converge upon the sacred spot, flowing through the packed street like a river. We join in and drift with the current. Looking ahead, we witness the timeless facade of the mosque, adorned with a kaleidoscope of vibrant lights. Every hue dances across its historic walls, casting a magical glow that feels almost otherworldly. The air hums with energy as the voices of those walking on foot blend into a rising symphony of praises to God, carried along by the general clamour and the echoes of horns. Tonight, the mosque and district of Al-Sayeda Zaynab in historic Cairo beat with a numinous state, having been resurrected with a spirit of devotion. We are here to celebrate the Mawlid (birth of) Zaynab Bint Ali, granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Pilgrims from every corner of Egypt are drawn toward this holy building, where her shrine is cradled. Held during the final days of the Hijri month of Rajab, this year the Mawlid falls on January 28th, 2025. However, the gatherings commenced at least three to five days earlier, building up to El Leila El Kebira - 'The Grand Night' - which is believed to mark the saint's birth. Mawlid celebrations in Egypt are an enduring tradition deeply woven into the fabric of our identity. Though not officially inscribed on UNESCO's list of intangible heritage, they hold profound significance and continue to reflect our cultural narrative. 12:10 AM We stroll along Port Said Street on the central median. While the winter wind is swelling with the rich, intoxicating scent of incense, the hums of the ceremonies rise. Meanwhile, we are crossing the street, departing on an uncharted midnight soiree in old Cairo. 12:30 AM Beyond the fenced walls of Al-Sayeda Zaynab's mosque. In the surrounding labyrinth, the real manifestation of the festival took shape and spread in every corner and alleyway. Navigating through, you'll find people on the mews, some in tents and others right there on the pavement. Those are your travellers who came from upper Egypt or from around the delta to spend a week celebrating the birth of Al-Sayeda Zaynab. Children hoisted onto their fathers' shoulders wear colourful Tartoor (طرطور), bright and cheerful paper hats. Vendors push carts brimming with sweet treats, while food is generously handed out to passersby as part of a Nadr (نذر) - a sacred vow to Allah, undertaken in gratitude or in hopes of divine favour. 12:45 AM Dhikr chants, people dance, robes swirl, and I am anchored yet etherealized Though the scene might seem chaotic and overwhelming, there is an undeniable soulful force at play that deeply affects how you feel. The Mawlid festivities, with its roots in Sufi mysticism, carries a transcendent weight. Central to this experience are the collective dhikr sessions scattered throughout the festivities. These moments infuse the ambiance with a sense of transcendence and communal unity. The dhikr is a collective rhythmic meditation led by a Munshid, a religious singer whose voice serves as a guide into the spiritual realm. The sacred chants, paired with the soft glow of hanging lights at the end of a narrow corridor tucked between packed buildings, catches our attention. The rhythmic dancing of men draws us in, and slowly, an atmosphere of reverence takes hold. As they whirl and spin, their robes flutter like the wings of angels caught in an eternal dance. The heavenly energy is almost tangible, and merely witnessing this moment fills us with a sense of enchantment. 1:15 AM The entranced woman in the blue veil captures my gaze. Sitting on a metal chair with a dark upholstered back, a woman in a blue veil, is lost in another world. Her eyes are closed, her hands rhythmically tapping against her chest, and she sways her head in an endless, circular motion, as if drawing herself into a deeper state of surrender. Meanwhile, at the back, a group of men sits together, facing the reciting Munshid. Their composed presence and quiet attentiveness suggest they are the ones supporting or funding the dhikr. 1:30 AM A string of hanging lights guides us toward our final 'halakat dhikr' tucked away between the apartment buildings. We've witnessed two dhikr sessions so far and are still roaming through the darkened, quieter lanes. They shouldn't be this quiet - on any other night, they would be far more crowded. Somehow, we find ourselves back exactly where we started, but this time, another session is unfolding in a small nook. We step in, only to be guided even deeper inside, where a larger gathering is taking place. Men and women sit around what looks like a staged area, while at the centre, a group of men - only men - are chanting, swaying, and moving in a rhythmic trance. Aside from their religious significance, Mawlid celebrations also carry an economic dimension. The markets and amusement areas that emerge during the festivities play a crucial role in the local economy. Additionally, the ability of visitors to travel from across the country and spend several days in the capital is closely tied to the nation's economic conditions. 2:00 AM Observing and reflecting… As we reflect on our visit, we notice a distinct shift from previous years. It wasn't as crowded as we had anticipated. In light of the ongoing financial challenges, this dip in attendance seems to mirror the financial strains many are facing. Alternatively, it's possible that a number of attendees left earlier than usual. While the crowds were still present, they didn't quite match the bustling scene I had imagined. Walking away from the festivities felt like resisting the pull of a lingering dream. The night was still alive, the streets humming with laughter and the glow of lanterns, inviting us to stay, to wander a little longer with those who would revel until sunrise. But duty calls, morning waits, and with it, the quiet return to reality. Photography Credit: Amany Kamal, Jihad Abaza, Rana Gabr, Tinne Van Loon
