Lighting the month of prayer and peace

Illuminating the arrival of the Holy Month of Ramadan since time immemorial, these lanterns have become an intrinsic cultural part of festivities

It is not uncommon to spot clusters of shimmering lanterns, or fanous, dangling from various heights and illuminating streets in the UAE. Lending the Emirates a transformative otherworldly charm, the arrival of these lanterns is synonymous with the Holy Month of Ramadan.

The story of these sacred lanterns dates all the way back to 358 AH during the Fatimid Dynasty when Caliphate Al-Muʿizz li-Dīn Allah arrived on the first day of Ramadan. Legend says that the crowds lit up the place with lanterns to greet the Caliph, even hanging them out all night for him.

While the original designs from ancient Egypt contained simply a candle or oil and a wick surrounded by tin, lanterns have since been updated to include different materials, colours, toy versions for the little ones, and in some cases, even pictures and speakers.

Apart from irradiating festivities throughout history, lanterns have also bolstered generational craft, especially in the back streets of Cairo. While the modern ones may have snagged a few eyes with snazzy lights and song, the heart continues to remain loyal to the higher-end traditional designs. Typically made from brass, inlaid with coloured glass and produced by professional artisans, nothing will ever top the personal touch of perfect imperfections.

The fanous may not have roots in the Islamic religion, but its kaleidoscopic beauty has travelled across all Muslim communities to be a defining part of the culture. Easing the wait for that elusive crescent in the sky, the light of these exquisite lanterns will continue to bring joy and peace for a long time yet.