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'Islamic Chants Fill UAE Malls as Eid Approaches': Shoppers Exhibit Delight

Daily calls for Allah's greatness during Dhul-Hijjah's initial ten days, known as the takbeer, serve as a beloved custom reinforcing the hearts of Muslims ahead of a prominent Islamic holiday.

Chanting of Takbeer, a beloved tradition during Dhul-Hijjah's first ten days, serves as a...
Chanting of Takbeer, a beloved tradition during Dhul-Hijjah's first ten days, serves as a heart-preparing Sunnah for a crucial day in the Islamic calendar.

'Islamic Chants Fill UAE Malls as Eid Approaches': Shoppers Exhibit Delight

In the bustling Mall of the Emirates, the noise of shoppers and footsteps is interrupted by a gentle, peaceful chant:

"Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar..."

With Eid Al Adha just around the corner, shopping malls across the UAE are broadcasting the Eid takbeerat - a spiritual call to God - over their speakers. This subtle yet powerful gesture pauses the daily hustle and brings a touch of peace amid the everyday rush.

Three Dubai residents, Lamar Murtada, Talia Alsayed, and Meera Alabbassi, stopped dead in their tracks, captivated by the soft chant echoing through the air-conditioned halls. "It gives us that feeling that Eid is almost here," Meera commented.

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For Talia, this moment held a deeper meaning. "Yesterday, I talked to my mom about this after we heard the takbeerat somewhere else," she said. "It's so calming. It brings us peace. Honestly, it's more meaningful than any bland music."

Major shopping centers like City Centre Mirdif, Deira City Centre, Union Coop, and Etihad Mall are filling their spaces with the spiritual echoes of the takbeer, adding a solemn undertone to the festive energy.

So, what's all the fuss about?

These recitations, known as Takbeerat Al-Adha, are about proclaiming "God is Great." Recited especially during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, the takbeer is a cherished Sunnah that helps prepare Muslims for one of the most significant days in the Islamic calendar.

At Union Coop, the initiative began on May 28, marking the 1st of Dhul Hijjah, and will continue through June 8, the 12th of Dhul Hijjah. Shuaib Alhammadi, senior manager, community relations at Union Coop, stated, "Broadcasting Eid Takbeerat in our branches symbolizes Allah's glory, spreads joy, and reminds people of Eid's spiritual meaning."

For long-time Dubai resident Sajna Abdulla, who encountered the takbeer while shopping in Deira City Centre, the moment was unexpectedly emotional. "I was out shopping when it began and was quite surprised. It transported me back to my Hajj experience over 30 years ago," she recalled. "The memories came rushing in. My family even started repeating the takbeer after the loudspeaker. It was a truly special moment."

Even tourists are pausing to appreciate this gesture. Alia and Rahaf, sisters from Saudi Arabia visiting Dubai for a pre-Eid holiday, were delighted to hear the familiar chants. "It reminds us of home," they said. "It's heartening to hear this in Dubai, a city that blends modern living with robust Islamic traditions."

This year, excitement is higher than ever, as UAE residents prepare for a four-day Eid Al Adha break, starting Thursday, June 5, with Arafah Day, the holiest day in Islam. Eid Al Adha will be observed on Friday, June 6, coinciding with Jumuah (Friday) prayers, making the day spiritually significant with both sermons taking place back to back. The break will continue through Sunday, June 8, offering families and communities time for both reflection and celebration.

Across social media, UAE residents have started sharing their experiences by posting videos of the takbeerat echoing through malls and tagging locations like Etihad Mall, Union Coop, and Mirdif City Centre.

More than just preparing for Eid, UAE malls are helping residents and visitors feel the spirit of the holiday in the heart of everyday life.

Happy almost Eid, folks!

For more Local News:

  • Eid Al Adha in UAE: Worker celebrations to be held across 10 locations
  • 4-day Eid Al Adha holiday in UAE: Short-stay bookings among most popular
  • Eid Al Adha: Some UAE hotels hit 100% occupancy amid Schengen, US visa delays
  1. The Takbeerat Al-Adha, a spiritual call to proclaim "God is Great" during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, is being broadcast in major shopping centers like City Centre Mirdif, Deira City Centre, Union Coop, and Etihad Mall.
  2. Despite the festive energy in the malls, the solemn echoes of the takbeerat add a peaceful undertone to the daily hustle and bustle, serving as a reminder of Eid's spiritual significance.
  3. In the home-and-garden section of a shopping mall, a customer named Sajna Abdulla was moved to tears when she heard the takbeer, as it transported her back to her Hajj experience over 30 years ago.
  4. Amid the bustling preparations for Eid Al Adha, many UAE residents and even tourists are finding a moment of tranquility in the spiritual refrain of the takbeerat playing in shopping malls, making their everyday shopping a part of the holiday spirit.

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