Umm Kulthum’s Iconic Song “Oh Night of Eid, Anstina” Continues to Resonate with Audiences
As the festive season of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha approaches, people across the Arab world are preparing to celebrate with music and joy. Countless songs have been specially composed for these occasions, each capturing the spirit of the holidays. From “Hilal Hilal Al-Eid” by Nour Al-Huda to “Happy New Year, Mother And Fatherly” by Youssef Hamadeh, the list of holiday tunes is extensive.
However, one song has stood out from the rest and has been a staple on Arab radio stations since the 1940s. “Oh Night of Eid, Anstina” by the legendary Umm Kulthum has become synonymous with the festivities and is a must-listen during these joyous occasions.
The story behind this iconic song has been documented by several Egyptian newspapers. In 1937, Umm Kulthum, while entering the Egyptian Radio building, overheard a vendor shouting, “Oh, the night of the feast, forget us.” This phrase resonated with her, and she decided to incorporate it into a song she would perform for the holiday.
Upon entering the radio station, Umm Kulthum found musician Zakaria Ahmed and poet Bayram Al-Tunisi waiting for her. She requested Bayram to write a song that included the phrase she had heard. However, due to health issues, Bayram was unable to fulfill her request. As a result, she entrusted the task to poet Ahmed Rami, who penned the following lyrics:
“Oh, the night of the feast, missina, and you renewed hope in us
Oh, the night of Eid, is your crescent moon for our eyes? We rejoiced and sang for it
And we said Al-Saad will come to you on the night of Eid
People gathered on the Khalan and the cup house on regret
And the birds singing on the branches greet the dawn on the night of the feast
My love, a vehicle running, and my soul in the breeze, running
Tell him, Jamil Badri, it is forbidden to sleep on the night of Eid
O light of the eye, O dear, O occupant of my joy and my mind
Almighty be sympathetic to my condition, and soften the heart on the night of Eid.
Oh, the night of Eid, you made us forget and you renewed hope in us…etc, etc”
Zakaria Ahmed composed a beautiful melody for these lyrics, and Umm Kulthum’s rendition of the song became an instant success. During one of her performances, King Farouk arrived at the venue, driving his car himself. Rather than interrupting the concert, the king ordered the party to continue and took a seat to listen to Umm Kulthum’s mesmerizing performance.
Umm Kulthum’s intelligence and quick thinking led her to insert additional verses into the song to honor the presence of the king. She sang:
“O our Nile, your death is sugar and your sowing in the valley is light.
Farouk lives and congratulates him, and we salute him for the nights of Eid.
And an increase in the celebration of her king, she moved with good tact and disposition to the last couplet of the song ‘My Lover Makes His Times Happy.’ She sang ‘My love is like the moon, before it appears, they calculate appointments. My love is like the moon, sending its light from far to far.'”
Impressed by her cleverness, King Farouk bestowed upon Umm Kulthum the honor of perfection of the third degree, a prestigious decoration usually reserved for the queen and princesses of the royal family. The royal court, led by Hassanein Pasha, decided to award her the Order of Kamal, making Umm Kulthum the first Egyptian artist in the history of ancient and modern Egypt to be titled “Her Infallibility.”
Decades later, “Oh Night of Eid, Anstina” continues to captivate audiences and remains a beloved song during the festive season. Umm Kulthum’s talent and creativity have left an indelible mark on Arab music, and her legacy lives on through her timeless compositions.
How does the crescent moon on the night of Eid bring hope and joy to people?
The night of Eid
Oh night of Eid, Anstina, you bring us joy and delight
We gather together, filled with love on this sacred night
The song of the birds, welcoming the dawn
As we celebrate, the festivities carry on
My love, my heart races with anticipation
On this special night, we find elation
Oh night of Eid, your crescent moon shining bright
Fills us with hope, and our spirits take flight
We sing and dance, on this joyful occasion
Embracing the blessings, with pure elation
Umm Kulthum’s iconic song, a timeless melody
Continues to resonate, in hearts and memory
As we celebrate Eid, with music and cheer
“Oh Night of Eid, Anstina” remains dear.
“Umm Kulthum’s songs are like the heartbeat of Eid, transcending time and generations. Her mesmerizing voice takes us on an enchanting journey, reminding us of the beauty and cultural significance of this special celebration. A true testament to the power of music to unite and uplift us all.”