The UAE Fatwa Council has officially permitted the celebration of Haq Al Laila during the month of Sha‘ban, reaffirming the tradition’s cultural and social significance within Emirati society. The decision highlights the council’s view that the celebration aligns with Islamic values when practiced in a respectful and appropriate manner.
Haq Al Laila, observed annually on the 15th night of Sha‘ban, is a cherished folk tradition in the UAE and parts of the Gulf. Children dress in traditional attire and visit neighbors and relatives to receive sweets and nuts, fostering joy, generosity, and strong community bonds. The celebration is widely seen as a way of preserving heritage while instilling values of sharing and social cohesion among younger generations.
According to religious scholars, the permissibility is rooted in the absence of any practices that contradict Islamic teachings. The council emphasized that cultural customs are acceptable in Islam as long as they do not involve prohibited acts or beliefs. Families and communities have been encouraged to observe the tradition in a modest and organized way, avoiding extravagance or practices that could cause inconvenience to others.
Cultural observers note that the council’s clarification helps counter misconceptions about traditional celebrations and supports the coexistence of faith and heritage. It also reflects the UAE’s broader approach of safeguarding national identity while maintaining religious principles.
As Haq Al Laila celebrations take place across neighborhoods, schools, and community spaces, the event continues to serve as a bridge between generations connecting children to their cultural roots while reinforcing values of kindness, gratitude, and social harmony in Emirati society.
