“This is a tradition which we have inherited from our ancestors and are keen to keep alive for the coming generations,” said a resident of Makkah who did not want his name published.
He said it was a beautiful tradition that should never stop. “Our people, young and old alike, are keen to celebrate during the month of Shaaban in preparation for the fasting month,” he added.
Aminah Zawawi, a Saudi woman in her 60s, described Shaabanah as one of the great things inherited from her ancestors. She said though the meaning of the word and manner of celebrations have changed over time, the tradition is very much alive.
Zawawi recalled that in the past Shaabanah celebrations would start in the second half of Shaaban and continue until the 28th day of the month.
“Old and young members of the family get together in the home of a senior member of the family. They will stay together for about four days during which they eat good food, drink coffee and talk about their affairs in an atmosphere of cordiality and togetherness,” she said.
The old woman recalled that she used to cook Bukhari rice with almonds and raisins in addition to pastry with meat and other traditional Hijazi dishes for the family members to eat during their stay. “People then had clean hearts. There were no malice or bad intentions. Now people go out to celebrate Shaabanah,” she said.
Zawawi said in its very essence, Shaabanah is a means to purify hearts and end all rifts before the fasting month.
The Shaabanah tradition was passed over to 34-year-old Muhammad Bayazeed by his grandfather. “We intend to keep this in our family for as long as we live,” he said.
Bayazeed said they used to gather in his grandfather’s home for at least four days before the advent of Ramadan. “All family members, especially those who used to be absent from other family occasions, were keen to attend Shaabanah with us,” he said.
He said things did not change much after the death of his grandfather because his father took over and continued the tradition. “When my father died, I took over but only the first of kin would be attending,” he said.
Muhammad Al-Bishri, a 23-year-old Makkawi, said he had a different interpretation altogether of Shaabanah. “I get together with my friends and peers and choose the last week of Shaaban for our celebrations. We collect money, rent a rest house on the sea shore for two days and celebrate there,” he said.
He said they would buy food and all the necessary items for their stay and have a great time together.
“I do not prefer to celebrate Shaabanah at home. It is too serious and dull. I like to celebrate with my friends in a new style,” he said.
Faiz, a young Saudi of 33, said he spends his Shaabanah outside the Kingdom. “We travel abroad for three to five days where we go to discos and nightclubs,” he said.