Ramadhan in the Wilayat of Sur

Observer

20-03-2025

SUR: Oman has traditional souqs in its various towns and they provide a deep cultural insights of that distinct region. An example is the Sur Traditional Souq located in the heart of the city.
The aromatic spices and fragrance from the perfume shops fill the air, and the gold and silver jewellery as well as the handcrafted artefacts are a delight to the eyes.
The souq has a unique design with its narrow lanes and arches. Wandering around in the souq makes one wonder about the ancient history of the land filled with maritime adventures and voyages. The city's shipbuilding industry and carpentry that boasted magnificent wooden doors are still a pride adding to the city's characteristics.
Younis al Battashi, a visitor to the souq, said, 'Sur Souq is distinguished as the old market in the Sultanate of Oman, as it is famous for everything that interests customers and tourists, with local and international products such as textiles, perfumes, electronics and tailoring for men, women and children. Because it is a popular market, visitors and customers from other wilayats come to stitch Omani clothes.'
Ramadhan in the Wilayat of Sur
Ramadhan in the Wilayat of Sur
The social atmosphere in Sur during the holy month of Ramadhan is highly active, said Khalid al Mukhaini from Sur.
'Despite fasting throughout the day, people remain very busy, especially after the Asr prayer, when the markets become crowded with shoppers buying what they need. The bustle does not end but rather increases at night, keeping most shops open until late hours,' reflected Khalid.
The sounds of prayers resonate between mosques and throughout the neighbourhoods.
'In any case, it is a blessed month in which people feel joy, and acts of worship increase, especially during the last ten days of Ramadhan, in preparation for Laylat Al Qadr and the approaching Eid day,' he pointed out.
He explained that in the Islamic tradition, Laylat Al Qadr is a great night in which the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Ramadhan in the Wilayat of Sur
Ramadhan in the Wilayat of Sur
'He instructed Muslims to seek it in the last ten nights of Ramadhan, especially on the odd-numbered nights. Many believe that it falls on the 27th night of Ramadhan, and people usually increase their worship and charitable acts on this night,' he noted.
The Sultan Qaboos Mosque is prominent for its architecture and library.
There are no confirmed records regarding the oldest mosque in Sur, but the Grand Mosque in Harat Al Fuwaris may have been the largest mosque in Sur in the past, according to Khalid.
'It was originally built through community collaboration and was later reconstructed. The Wilayat of Sur is one of the regions most dedicated to mosques, as they are spread everywhere, and people take special care in maintaining their cleanliness and upkeep,' he noted.
The exact location of the oldest mosque in the wilayat is unknown due to the demolition and reconstruction of old mosques over the years.
'However, in the 1940s, the locals built a grand mosque in Harat Al Masfiyah, which was later reconstructed at the expense of Shaikh Suhail Bahwan decades ago. Additionally, the Uthman bin Affan Mosque is one of the largest, alongside the Sultan Qaboos Mosque in the Bilad Sur area,' he added.
These mosques play a significant role in Quran memorisation and daily lectures, along with the various activities conducted by other mosques in the wilayat.