By Amany Abdel-Moneim ONE of the oldest and most deep- rooted traditions of Ramadan is al-mesaharaty (night-caller to wake Muslims shortly before dawn for their last meal -- Sohour -- before the beginning of the fast). Traditionally, al-mesaharaty would walk through streets and alleys beating a small drum to a simple rhythm, calling on people to wake up in time for some last minute eating. He would walk to nearly every house in the neighborhood, and stop in front of each house, calling its occupants by name to wake up for Sohour. He beats his drum three times and chants: " esha ya nayem, wahed al-dayem; Ramadan kareem ", which loosely translates into, "wake up sleepy one, praise God; Ramadan, is the month of forgiveness." Al-mesaharaty tradition goes back to the early days of Islam. Bilal Ibn Maktoom was the first mesaharaty in Islam and he used to call people from the top of the mosque to stop eating.The tradition started in Egypt in the year 238 AH (Hijri) with Antaba Bin Ishaq, the ruler of Egypt, himself walking from Fustat City to Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque singing " e'bad Allah tasaharo " (worshipers of Allah, eat Sohour). In time, the drum was introduced as an instrument to assist the mesaharaty. Life in Ramadan usually begins later, the pace is slower and production hours are shorter. More significantly, the streets, people and meals are louder, and al-mesaharaty fits perfectly in this last category because he makes so much noise in the early hours that he can be heard for several blocks in all directions. With Ramadan being the most joyful month of the year, children also have their share of fun. In the old days, al-mesaharaty used to be accompanied by children of the neighbourhood who helped him beat his drum and call for Sohour. Over the years, al-mesaharaty has made his way into popular folklore and songs, and many celebrated artists have written songs for radio and television to laud this profession. The renowned musician Sayed Mekkawy was among the most lyrical. The mesaharaty is not paid a fixed salary and makes his money by collecting tips from neighbourhoods at the end of Ramadan, when all the people whose names were called donate money. While the mesaharaty may not know his neighbourhoods as well as he did in the past, many continue the tradition of drumming and calling on people to wake up and eat.
