With the holy month of Ramadhan underway, bringing nights of reflection and days of devotion, Muscat-based artist and business head Dr Rajulal Rafeek has unveiled a moving series of illustrations that capture the spiritual rhythm of the season.
Working in his signature pen-and-wash style, Rajulal turns his artistic lens towards traditions that define the fasting month — from the revival of the Night Caller (Mesaharaty) to quiet prayer scenes and the warmth of communal iftar gatherings.
“Rather than grand symbolism, I wanted to focus on familiar moments that quietly define Ramadhan — the night caller waking the neighbourhood, people balancing work and worship, the preparation of Iftar, the humble dates and the warmth of mass Iftars”, Rajulal said.
Among the most evocative themes in his collection is the Mesaharaty, the traditional caller who walks through neighbourhoods before dawn to awaken residents for suhoor, the pre-dawn meal. In many communities, this age-old custom is witnessing a gentle revival. Rajulal’s illustrations portray the stillness of the hour before sunrise — shadowed alleyways, a lone figure moving softly through the streets and homes stirring awake in preparation for the day’s fast.
His sketches also trace the natural flow of a Ramadhan day. While professionals and students continue their responsibilities, homes remain immersed in prayer and spiritual reflection. As the afternoon progresses, anticipation builds towards iftar. Kitchens come alive, families gather and the atmosphere shifts from quiet endurance to shared gratitude.
Dates, central to the tradition of breaking the fast, appear symbolically in his work. The simplicity of this act — following prophetic tradition — carries profound spiritual meaning and Rajulal captures it with restraint and warmth. Scenes of mass iftars further highlight the spirit of togetherness that defines the month, especially meaningful in Oman’s multicultural society, where communal meals foster unity for those far from their families.
Through subtle monochromatic washes and dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, Rajulal creates mood rather than intricate detail. His approach allows viewers to feel the serenity of prayer, the hush before the Maghrib call to prayer and the collective gratitude that marks the close of each fasting day.
Inspired by the tonal depth of Rembrandt and the sharp social commentary of William Anthony Husband — the acclaimed British cartoonist known for his dark humour — Rajulal has developed a distinctive monochrome style that values essence over embellishment. Though largely self-taught, his early professional stint at Toonz Animation India helped refine his visual discipline.
From sketching caricatures for charitable causes in Dubai to capturing landscapes and street scenes across Oman, Rajulal has consistently used pen and wash to narrate lived experience. His Ramadhan series stands as a visual meditation — honouring faith, tradition and the enduring spirit of community that defines the holy month.
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