Al Awabi – As night settles after Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan, the quiet lanes of Al Awabi in South Batinah come alive with the voices of children reciting prayers and praise of Allah.
The occasion is Al Tahloola, a long-standing Ramadan tradition observed in several wilayats across the sultanate. The custom, passed down through generations, brings children together to learn supplications and religious recitations while strengthening community bonds.
Dressed in traditional Omani attire, groups of children move through neighbourhood streets carrying colourful lanterns. At the front of the procession walks a teacher, often referred to as the ‘sheikh’, who guides them in reciting Tahleel and Tasbeeh – expressions of praise and remembrance of Allah.
The children repeat the recitations in unison as they walk through alleys and residential areas, creating an atmosphere that blends devotion with celebration.
For many communities, Al Tahloola serves as an early introduction for young participants to the spiritual practices of Ramadan. Through guided recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, sayings of the Prophet and traditional supplications, children learn religious values in a setting that also emphasises togetherness.
The procession moves from one neighbourhood to another, with residents watching from doorways and courtyards as the lantern-lit group passes by. The event has remained a familiar feature of Ramadan nights, reflecting a tradition that combines faith, learning and communal participation.
