By Monalisha Mallick
● 17 Mar 19
City & Culture
Middle East
In this blog, we introduce you to one of the unique and age-old traditions – the “Mesaharaty,” or the “Night Caller.” The Mesaharaty takes upon himself to walk around the village or city & wake people for “Suhoor – the light meal people take before they begin the dawn-to-dusk fasting.
Every country has its own story for the Night Caller, but one of the most interesting ones is from Egypt. In Egypt, it is believed that this tradition started way back in the year 238 AH by Antaba bin Ishaq, the country’s ruler at that time. He would walk from a place named Fustat to Amr ibn Al Aas Mosque waking people up on the way for Suhoor.
The Mesaharaty beats the drum and sings the traditional songs such as “Ya Ebadallah, wahhidullah, eshi ya nayem, wahhid Al-Razzaq.” (O the servants of Allah, believe in the Oneness of Allah, wake up and pray to Allah, the sustainer). Some Night Callers also call out the residents’ names and leave only when they respond.
Every country has its version of Night Caller like for, eg in Morocco, the Mesaharaty knocks on the doors with his stick while in Egypt, he beats a drum.
The age of smartphones has made this age-old tradition look irrelevant but for old times’ sake and to relieve the old times’ nostalgia, people still encourage Mesaharaty as a symbol of Ramadan.
The English version of the song which most Night Callers recite is:
“Wake up, Wake up, those of you who are asleep.
Wake up and pray to God.
Wake up to make your intention to fast tomorrow and, if alive, this Holy month.
Dawn is almost here.
Have a Blessed Ramadan”
Monalisha Mallick
Creative soul. Writer. Traveler. Monalisha is infinitely curious about the world. When not answering questions about her career choice (graduation in Engineering and profession in writing), she enjoys going out to experience new places, savor fresh cuisines, meet people (many time weird) and soak in the culture from different eras and places.
Experience Austria Like Never Before: Your Best One-week Travel Plan to The Land of Mountains
19 Mar 24
One-week Holiday Plan for The Netherlands: Embrace Windmills, Canals, and Vibrant Cities
18 Mar 24
A One-week Holiday Plan For Germany, The Land of Poets and Thinkers
18 Mar 24
French Delights: A Tailored 7-Day Holiday Plan in France for Every Explorer
18 Mar 24
Living The Bel Paese Dream! One-week Holiday Plan For Your Italian Getaway
12 Mar 24
What’s Your Adventure Quotient? Get a Reality Check in Lebanon
22 Feb 22
Indulge your wanderlust in these weekend destinations from Amman
05 Sep 19
Visit Munich For A Crazy Vacation
22 Nov 18
‘Bahrain Brunch’ Calls All The Late Morning Yawners & The Bed Crawlers
26 Jul 18
A Road Trip to Remember – Doha to Saudi Arabia
19 Dec 22