Hag Al Laila: Joyful Tradition Before Ramadan

Hag Al Laila Celebration in UAE: Tradition, Community, and Spirituality Before Ramadan

Every year in the United Arab Emirates, special attention is given to the 15th night of the month of Shaban, known in the Emirates as Hag Al Laila. This celebration, which occurs 15 days before the holy month of Ramadan, is both a communal and religious event where families, children, and neighbors prepare joyfully for the upcoming spiritual period. In 2026, the night of celebration is expected to be on February 2, according to the lunar calendar.

Tradition and Cultural Heritage

Hag Al Laila is one of the most sincerely preserved traditions in the Emirates. Children dress in colorful, traditional clothing and collect sweets from neighborhood houses while joyfully chanting: "Atoona Hag Al Laila!" – which means "Give us on this night!" This ritual is not just playful fun for children but a custom with deep cultural value that strengthens neighborhood and family ties.

Religious Permission and Guidance

The UAE Fatwa Council confirmed in 2026 that celebrating Hag Al Laila is religiously permissible as long as it aligns with Islamic principles. The council issued a detailed religious legal guide outlining five principles explaining why the custom is allowed:

1. The principle that customs created by people are inherently allowed unless Islam forbids them. Since Hag Al Laila is a secular custom not contrary to religious teachings, its practice is acceptable.

2. The principle of silence: if revelation does not explicitly forbid something, it is permitted. The Prophet said, "What Allah forbade is forbidden. What He did not speak of is forgiven."

3. Spreading communal benefit and joy: celebrating brings happiness to children and strengthens community cohesion, which is praiseworthy in Islam.

4. The practice of the community's predecessors: According to the tradition of the companions (Sahabah) and their followers (Tabi’in), the 15th night of Shaban is significant. A credible tradition states that on this night, the Prophet prayed extensively, and God's grace was open to sincere penitents.

5. The night’s spiritual significance: Several scholars, including Ibn Umar and Imam Al-Shafi‘i, consider the night special, as Allah listens to prayers and forgives those who sincerely ask.

Festive Events Across the Country

Events related to the celebration this year are diverse. The Global Village is organizing a series of events from January 31 to February 3, with a spectacular drone show as its highlight on the evening of February 1 at 7:35 p.m.

Expo City Dubai is also actively participating in the celebration. On February 2, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., they organize traditional games, camel parades, henna art, craft workshops, and candy distribution for families. These events contribute to strengthening national identity while connecting communities.

Spiritual Dimension and Prayer

While the celebration is marked by joyful atmosphere, Islamic religious leaders emphasize the night's spiritual aspect. This period is ideal for believers to pray, read the Quran, ask for forgiveness, and perform good deeds – such as donating to those in need or forgiving each other.

Scholar Ibn Rajab wrote: "On this night, the believer should remember Allah, ask forgiveness for their sins, supplicate for relief from grief, and begin with repentance. Allah accepts those who repent on this night."

The Role of Children: Sweets and Memories

One of the most remarkable elements of Hag Al Laila is that children – in colorful outfits and with small bags in hand – go from house to house collecting sweets. This custom is not just a game but also cultural learning: the younger generation learns about their heritage, the value of community, and the experience of selflessness.

Parents and elders are happy to help organize, decorate their homes, prepare or buy sweets, making the entire family active participants in the celebration.

The Custom's Significance in Modern UAE Society

In the modern society of the United Arab Emirates, open to global influences, maintaining Hag Al Laila is a reminder of roots and the importance of religion and culture. The religious council's guidance is especially important in preserving traditions while ensuring they align with religious doctrines.

Such events are excellent tools for strengthening social cohesion, national pride, and faith. Therefore, Hag Al Laila is not just a celebration but a special night that brings smiles to children's faces and reverence to the hearts of believers.

Summary

The Hag Al Laila celebration in the UAE is a perfect example of how religion, culture, and community can coexist. While children joyously collect sweets, families celebrate together and spiritually recharge before Ramadan. The event is rightly considered one of the Emirates' most cherished and sincere traditions.