Sufi lodges in Anbar mark end of Ramadan with drumming, dhikr and prophetic praise

ANBAR — Sufi lodges in Rawa city have been drawing large crowds as Ramadan draws to a close, with followers gathering at the Sheikh Rajab al-Rifa’i lodge in northern Anbar for dhikr rituals, drumming and recitations in praise of the Prophet.

A 964media correspondent visited the lodge, where participants beat drums and performed communal remembrance in the presence of residents from across the community. Crowds have swelled since the 27th night of Ramadan.

“This lodge belongs to our grandfather Sheikh Mohsen al-Rawi, inherited from his forefathers and his father Sheikh Mohammed, tracing back to our grandfather Sheikh Rajab,” said Ali Moenes Mohammed, one of the organizers. “It is affiliated with the Rifa’i order by lineage and method.” He said the lodge holds weekly gatherings every Thursday for remembrance, forgiveness and prayer, and is open to all Muslims regardless of order. “Many sheikhs and followers of other orders attend,” he said.

Regular attendee Mousa Taha Hamed said the tradition runs deep. “At the Sheikh Mohsen al-Rifa’i lodge, dhikr is held, and this is a very old tradition from the time of our ancestors, not something new.” He said participants learn recitations, engage in religious discussions with sheikhs and study Islamic conduct.

Iraq’s Council of Ministers announced Tuesday that official working hours will be suspended for six days beginning March 18 to mark Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.