Mhaibis game brings Iraqis together in Diyala

By Ahmed Shakir in Diyala
For Al-Shorfa.com
2010-09-03

[Mahmood al-Mulhim/Mawtani] Iraqis are enjoying playing mhaibis again in the evenings after iftar.

The mhaibis game, one of the most famous Iraqi traditions, is more than just entertainment during Ramadan nights this year; it is also a message "of peace and love".

The local government in Diyala organised the "Diyala Peace and Love Tournament" for mhaibis, and invited teams to take part.

Mhaibis is played by two teams, usually from different areas or provinces – and as in football tournaments, there are strong and weak mhaibis teams. One team hides a ring in one player's closed hand, and a player from the other team must find the ring among all the players' closed hands held out in a long line.

In previous years, deteriorating security deprived many Iraqis of participating in mhaibis contests in different provinces or neighbourhoods. However, with improved security in most Iraqi provinces, mhaibis has returned.

"We held the tournament to establish and enhance the principle of brotherhood among the different areas that have until recently suffered from the repercussions of sectarian violence," said Turath al-Azzawi, spokesperson for the local government in Diyala.

The games, popular with average citizens and officials alike, are held each night after iftar at the gardens of Ma Bayn al-Jesrain Park in central Baqubah.

Mhaibis games are usually accompanied by a chorus of Iraqi songs of al-Chalghi al-Baghdadi, al-Murabaat, or maqam. The songs, performed by spectators and hired bands, praise the leading team and sometimes a loved one, adding entertainment to the competition.

Sweets such as zalabia and baqlawa are distributed to participants and the audience. The losing team will often pay for food.

"The game draws a large audience," al-Azzawi said. "It has increased, and is still increasing, the love among different areas and shows the level of security the province is witnessing after it managed to overcome terrorism."

Mahir Salman, a 33-year-old player on the Had Maksar team, found his wife through mhaibis.

"A few years ago, the game helped establish a friendship between me and the head of a team from the area of Kharnabat. After exchanging family visits, I married his daughter," he said.

Salman said his son was not able to visit his relatives in Kharnabat for years because of the area's deteriorating security.

"However, now that security and mhaibis have been restored to the area, my son was able to come with me to the area and participate in the game there," Salman said.

"These days, I notice that mhaibis breaks the barrier of fear among many of the people who were afraid of moving around between the cities of the province," he said. "We see the extent of love that brings people together and gets them away from sectarianism and all that disturbs them."

Salman is not the only player who said mhaibis was different this year.

"The game is significantly different this year," said Mohammed Jabbar, a well known player in Diyala. "You will see people from different areas and different sects embracing, and you will see the tears of longing in their eyes."

"Ramadan and mhaibis have restored the bonds of love and longing between the residential neighbourhoods in the province," he said.

Seif Ammar, 13, is a fan of al-Tahrir neighbourhood team in Baqubah. He accompanies them to matches to support them and learn to play.

"We have been deprived of supporting the team in their matches for years, after we used to spend the most enjoyable time there," he said. "I found my friends who I have not seen for years. I hope that the joy of Iraqis will last and that all of their days will be full of happiness."

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