Khidr is an Arabic name for a righteous servant of God described in the Quran, but not named, as one who was wise and had mystic knowledge. During the last three days of February, families gather on a hill where Alkhidr's sanctuary is thought to be.
According to ancient beliefs, Alkhidr grants wishes, especially to those in need. Communities in Iraq honour him with a feast and treat it as a holy day.
Khidr is described variously as a messenger, prophet, or wali who guards the sea, teaches secret knowledge, and helps those in distress in Islamic and non-Islamic sources. He is also prominently associated with the Islamic saint ibn Arabi.
Al-Khidr has been combined with various other figures throughout history such as Duraosa, Sorsh, and Sargis to form al-Khidr, but it is also associated with saints such as Saint George, Sargis, Samael, and John the Baptist in Judaism, and Jhulelal in Sindh and Punjab in South Asia.
Some mystics and scholars believe that Khidr is still alive if they take credence in Abu Ishaq's narration of ahadith about Khidr's meeting with Dajjal, while others claim that there are others, more reliable narrations and ayahs.
His character differed depending on whether he was a prophet or not, and some Muslims view him as a righteous guardian. When Muslims mention his name, they add the words "peace be upon him."
Families gather on a hill, they wear traditional clothing, eat special dishes, and dance the dabkka. In the center of Iraq, community members gather on the banks of the Tigris, believing it to be Alkhidr's sanctuary. During the day, bearers deliver sugar, salt, henna, sweets, and myrtle leaves, taking vows for their wishes to be granted.
At night, bearers send candles on wood along the river, making vows to so wishes come true if the candles go out before reaching the other side. Those in the south of Iraq bring myrtle leaves, but only one candle is lit. If the candle goes out before reaching the other side, believers should give to the poor on Friday to have their wishes fulfilled.
However, a shared identification with the tradition has helped build social cohesion within communities. Until today the younger generations still learn about this tradition from their parents and also at school.
Khidr is an Arabic name, also transcribed as al-Khadir, al-Khader, al-Kizr (al-Khadr), al-Khidr, Khazer, Khadr, Khedher, Khizir, and Khizar, a righteous servant of God described in the Quran, but not named, as one who was wise and had mystic knowledge.
During the month of February, Iraqi communities honor Alkhidr, a holy figure who is believed to grant wishes to those in need, specifically to those in need. They revere this feast and treat it as a holy day.
Khidr is described variously as a messenger, prophet, or wali who guards the sea, teaches secret knowledge, and helps those in distress in Islamic and non-Islamic sources. He is also prominently associated with the Islamic saint ibn Arabi.
Al-Khidr has been combined with various other figures throughout histories such as Duraosa, Sorsh, and Sargis to form al-Khidr, but it is also associated with saints such as Saint George, Sargis, Samael, and John the Baptist in Judaism, and Jhulelal in Sindh and Punjab in South Asia.
Some mystics and scholars believe that Khidr is still alive if they take credence in Abu Ishaq's narration of a hadith about Khidr's meeting with Dajjal, while others claim that there are other, more reliable narrations and ayahs
His character differed depending on whether he was a prophet or not, and some Muslims view him as a righteous guardian. When Muslims mention his name, they add the words "peace be upon him.".
Families gather on a hill with the sanctuary of Alkhidr during the last three days of the month in northern Iraq. As they wear traditional clothing, eat special dishes, and dance the dabkka. In the center of Iraq, community members gather on the banks of the Tigris, believing it to be Alkhidr's sanctuary. During the day, bearers deliver sugar, salt, henna, sweets, and myrtle leaves, taking vows for their wishes to be granted.
At night, bearers send candles on wood along the river, making vows to let their wishes come true if the candles go out before reaching the other side. Those in the south of Iraq also bring myrtle leaves, but only one candle is lit. If the candle goes out before reaching the other side, believers should give to the poor on Friday to have their wishes fulfilled.
However, a shared identification with the tradition has helped build social cohesion within communities. Until today the younger generations still learn about this tradition from their parents and also at school.
References
(https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/khidr-elias-feast-and-its-vows-01159) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khidr) (https://www.wikipe.wiki/wiki/ar/%D8%B9%D9%8A%D8%AF_%D8%AE%D8%B6%D8%B1_%D8%A5%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B3) |Subject=Belief, Ritual |Country=Iraq |SDG=(08) Decent Work and Economic Growth, (11) Sustainable Cities and Communities }}