[4k]🇦🇪Dubai, UAE | Ramadan Canon | Centuries-old tradition

One of the most familiar sounds associated with the holy month of Ramadan in the UAE is cannons firing at Iftar. But do you know the history of the booming sound that can be heard across the UAE? If not, join us as we explore this long-standing tradition and its significance within the country.

HISTORY OF IFTAR CANNONS

Authorities started the longstanding Ramadan cannon firing tradition to inform residents when to break their fast and start their iftar meal.

Some historians believe that the cannon-firing tradition during Ramadan originated in Egypt in the 10th Century. During the reign of one of the Fatimid caliphs, a cannon was placed on Cairo’s Muqatam Hill so that Muslims could break their fast at the sound of a cannon blast.

Another story suggests that the tradition was started by Ottoman ruler Khosh Qadam by coincidence when he tested a recently acquired cannon at sunset. The people of Cairo took it as a signal to break their fasts and loved the idea so much that they headed to the palace to pay their gratitude.

When Sultan’s daughter Haja Fatima learned about the masses’ appreciation for the cannon blast, she urged her father to make it a tradition for iftar. The king agreed, and ‘midfa al iftar’, a custom named after the nickname of Haja Fatima, was born.

Ramadan cannon firing has become a beloved tradition in many countries worldwide. In fact, it is one of the many global Ramadan traditions followed across Muslim countries.