The National Library and Archives Celebrated the Emirati tradition of "Haq Al Laila" at its pavilion at Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival

The National Library and Archives celebrated the traditional occasion of "Haq Al Laila", which falls on mid Sha'ban eve, at its “Memory of the Nation” pavilion, participating in Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival.

The National Library and Archives’ keen interest to celebrate this occasion is due to its great role in preserving and reviving cultural and social heritage. This celebration comes as part of the NLA’s social activities organized with the aim of instilling and enhancing national identity, and heritage in the hearts and minds of new generations.

On the sidelines of the National Library and Archives’ celebration of the occasion this year; Some children participated and were dressed in their original traditional clothes, the celebration rituals took place alongside common traditional chants on the occasion of “Haq al-Laila”: “Give us “Haq al-Laila”, May God reward you, and grant you a visit to the Holy Mosque of Makkah …” Many giveaways of various types of sweets were offered and presented to participants.

His Excellency Abdulla Majed Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives participated in celebrating this occasion along with all Department Directors and employees; due to its importance in instilling and enhancing heritage and national identity in new generations which is a main objective of the National Library and Archives. Apart from this, the blessed mid- Sha’ban’s eve also brings adults great happiness because of the joyful childhood memories it brings, and the spirit of love and solidarity it spreads among the UAE people and society. It is noteworthy that all the celebration’s aspects mimicked the  Emirati heritage vocabulary and songs for the occasion as these were echoed across both the National Library and Archives, and its Memory of the Nation pavilion at Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival.

According to what was mentioned in the second part of the book issued by the National Library and Archives, entitled: “Their Memory.. Our History”: Since ancient times, this occasion has been known and celebrated the eve of mid-Sha’ban as part of the Emirati heritage, where Emiratis presented give-away gifts which they called “Haq al-Laila to the children who wandered in the neighborhood or al Freej knocking houses-doors and chanting:

Give us “Haq al-Laila”      may God reward you

Give us “Haq Allah”          may God grant you a visit to the holy Mosque of Mecca.