The Art of Burning Bakhoor
Bakhoor, is the Arabic name given to scented bricks or a blend of traditional ingredients; (mainly, Agar-wood and Sandalwood) soaked in fragrant oils and mixed with other natural ingredients (resin, ambergris, musk, sandalwood and essential oils). With a history of more than 5,000 years, Arabian Bakhoor is a hallmark of Arab traditions. In Islamic history, Prophet Mohammad(S.A.W.), and his companions used Bakhoor regularly and more specifically on Fridays. This custom was largely promoted firstly in Arabia and afterwards in the vast territory of the Muslim world.
How to properly burn Bakhoor
There are two ways for burning Bakhoor. Using an electric Mabkhara and using the traditional Mabkhara. Al Mesk Al Arabi highly recommends using traditional Mabkhara to burn Bakhoor as it properly burns Bakhoor with proper roasting of its various essential oils and other element.
Burning with traditional Mabkhara: To burn Bakhoor using traditional Mabkhara, you will need the following equipments:
- Charcoal cubes
- Mabkhara
- tong
- Lighter
- water in a cup
Step 1: Start with placing the charcoal cubes on the Mabkhara.
Step 2: Use the lighter to burn the Charcoal for about 15-20 seconds. Once the charcoal starts to burn, it will burn for about an hour.
Step 3: After the Charcoal starts to burn, use the tong to carefully place the chip of Bakhoor upon the burning Charcoal.
Step 4: After the Bakhoor chip has fully burned, you can put another chip in its place on the burning Charcoal.
Step 5: Incase you want to remove the chip that hasn’t burned fully, use the tong to carefully pick the Bakhoor chip from the Charcoal and put it in the cup of water.
Step 6: To extinguish the charcoal, either let it burn fully or put it in the cup of water.
Tips for Burning Bakhoor:
- To make the Bakhoor last longer, put it besides charcoal and not upon it. This will cause the Bakhoor to burn longer.
- Don't forget to isolate the room by closing the windows and doors. This will ensure the scent to last for a whole day.
Precaution:
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Once burning, the Mabkhara must be put out of the reach of children.
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Do not burn Bakhoor around inflammable objects.
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Handle the burning charcoal with care.
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Avoid burning Bakhoor in a fire alarm situation as the smoke can trigger the alarm system.