know Your UAE
Al Huwai (herbalist or
spice dealer)
Al Huwai had an extensive knowledge
of herbs. Selling of; herbs, cosmetics
and traditional medicine in the past
was the job of the al huwai. The term
ashabeen (herbalist) was applied to
people who used herbs as medicinal
remedies. In the UAE, herbalists
were highly regarded and respected
members of the community. They were
valued for their efforts in preparing and
making medicine. Herbs that could
not be grown in the Emirates were
acquired through trade. Some people
still use the products and services of
herbalists today.
Perfume
Al Kandari (water seller)
Al Kandari would distribute the water to
houses by using metal cans. He either
carried the cans tied to the ends of a
stick resting against the back of his
neck and shoulder or used a donkey to
carry the water.
Al Mutawa
In the past Al Mutawa (religious
teacher) or Imam helped children
to study and memorise the Holy
Qu’ran. When necessary, he also
acted as traditional healer, judge and
documented marriages and divorce
contracts. People paid their mandatory
zakat fees to the Imam who distributed
the money to those who were eligible.
The amount of zakat is determined by
the calculating of 2.5% of a person’s
yearly, savings and assets. Al Mutawas
wore traditional Emirati clothing. They
wore a bisht and a white agal with their
ghutra.
The activities in the mosque have a
great impact on strengthening the
community bonds. The mosque has
several role s; spiritual, educational,
physical (health), political and social.
Muslims pray five times a day. The
Moa’then recites the adhan (call
to prayer), to draw Muslims to the
mosque. Muslims do not have to pray in
the mosque, they can pray anywhere,
as long as they are oriented towards
the qiblah (ka’ba in Makkah).
For more information, please visit the
Sharjah Heritage Museum located
at Al Mareija, Sharjah, United Arab
Emirates. They are open Saturday to
Thursday from 8:00am - 8:00pm and
on Fridays from 4:00pm - 8:00pm.
English speaking tour guides are
available upon request but be sure
to call +97165680006 to book an
appointment and for additional
information. You can also visit their
website www.sharjahmuseums.ae for
additional information.
The information provided in this article and
photos is courtesy of the Sharjah Heritage
Museum.
Perfume is an essential component of
Emirati life. Traditional scents include
‘oud, muhamariaa, zbaad, anbar, musk
and rose. Different types of fragrances
are designed to be placed on specific
areas of the body. Fragrances are
customarily placed on the head,
cheeks, neck, behind the ears and on
clothes. Perfume is often kept in an
airtight container so that none of the
ingredients evaporates and changes
the original scent.
After The Bell
Nov - Dec 2014
57