The 15th of Shaaban is said to have special significance. Some believe it is the night that people began to pray towards Makkah while other believe it predates Islam
Children in Sharjah get ready to receive treats on Haq Al Laila. All photos: The National
The annual celebration gives children an excuse to demand treats from their family, friends and neighbours
Haq Al Laila is a tradition observed in Gulf countries
Children wear traditional clothes and carry colourful woven bags, going door-to-door singing in return for nuts and sweets
The rounds begin after Maghreb prayers and the most eager children will often shout the songs rather than sing them
In the UAE, Haq Al Laila is celebrated on the night of Shaaban 15 on the Islamic calendar
In the old days, children got nothing but nuts and, if they were very lucky, a cold drink
Nowadays, the treats are often toffees and chocolates
Recently, Haq Al Laila has become a more organised celebration that is held in schools, government offices and in homes
The 15th of Shaaban is said to have special significance. Some believe it is the night that people began to pray towards Makkah while other believe it predates Islam
Children in Sharjah get ready to receive treats on Haq Al Laila. All photos: The National
The annual celebration gives children an excuse to demand treats from their family, friends and neighbours
Haq Al Laila is a tradition observed in Gulf countries
Children wear traditional clothes and carry colourful woven bags, going door-to-door singing in return for nuts and sweets
The rounds begin after Maghreb prayers and the most eager children will often shout the songs rather than sing them
In the UAE, Haq Al Laila is celebrated on the night of Shaaban 15 on the Islamic calendar
In the old days, children got nothing but nuts and, if they were very lucky, a cold drink
Nowadays, the treats are often toffees and chocolates
Recently, Haq Al Laila has become a more organised celebration that is held in schools, government offices and in homes
The 15th of Shaaban is said to have special significance. Some believe it is the night that people began to pray towards Makkah while other believe it predates Islam
