Irbid, April 12 (Petra) -- In northern Jordan, across fertile plains rooted in the legacy of Hauran, the town of Husn in Bani Obeid district stands as one of the kingdom’s oldest historic communities, carrying a layered civilizational heritage reflected not only in its stones and ruins but also in its people and values.
The town offers a vivid example of interfaith harmony, renewed with every occasion and shining particularly during Easter celebrations.

Husn’s name reflects its historical role, derived from an ancient fortress built for defensive purposes to protect caravans and travelers along a trade route linking the Levant to northern Jordan. It was not merely a transit point, but a significant cultural hub embodying religious and cultural diversity.

Khaldoun Nseir, head of the Husn Cultural Forum, said Muslim-Christian coexistence in the town is a natural extension of religious values and dates back centuries, as passed down through oral traditions. Daily life between Muslims and Christians became deeply intertwined, forming a resilient social fabric that has endured across generations.

He said coexistence is not confined to historical accounts but is reflected in everyday life, with residents traditionally welcoming Christian holidays, especially Easter, with optimism and goodwill, exchanging visits and greetings that strengthen bonds of affection.

Nseir added that church bells were at times rung to remind Muslims of the afternoon prayer, without any sensitivity or objection, but rather as part of a shared life built on mutual respect.

He also recalled stories of deep social ties between families, including the close relationship between the Nseir and Al-Rihani clans, where bonds transcended religion to resemble those of a single family. He cited the late Ayoub Al-Rihani, known as "Akhou Sayyida," who once insisted that a bride from the Nseir family could not leave her home before receiving a traditional cloak from him, symbolizing the strength of these human connections.

Among the lived examples he highlighted was the participation of Christians in building mosques. In the 1980s, a Christian builder named Jreis constructed the 36-meter minaret of Saddam Hussein Mosque, illustrating the unity of the community.

For his part, head of the Greater Irbid Municipality committee Imad Al-Azzam said Husn, like the Irbid governorate as a whole, presents an advanced model of coexistence practiced daily rather than confined to rhetoric.

Describing the urban landscape on Irbid hill, he said the mosque and church standing side by side represent the highest form of harmony, adding that it is often difficult to distinguish between the church dome and the mosque minaret, as if they were a single structure.

He added that holidays, particularly Easter, bring this model into focus, with homes opening to receive well-wishers and hearts opening before doors, reflecting the depth of social cohesion. He said such unity forms a cornerstone of stability, development and the promotion of citizenship values, dialogue and the preservation of social heritage.

Writer and poet Kamel Abbasi, a native of Husn, recalled with warmth the details of life in the town, where children did not distinguish between holidays as much as they embraced their shared joy.

"We celebrated four holidays Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Christmas and Easter without distinction. They were all occasions to gather, wear nearly new clothes, and visit homes throughout the neighborhood," he said.

He added that holiday treats ranged from sugared almonds and toffee to traditional sweets and sometimes small coins, noting that children were unaware that some households celebrated different holidays until they grew older.

Abbasi painted a vivid picture of festive mornings, with the aroma of coffee filling the air and the rhythmic sound of the "mihbash" echoing through neighborhoods as men gathered for visits.

During Ramadan, he recalled the role of the "musaharati," who did not distinguish between Muslim and Christian households and would not leave until he saw lamps lit across the town, waking everyone for the pre-dawn meal. He would later return during the holidays as one of the first visitors, receiving gifts from all without exception.

He noted that Easter was an occasion for collecting sweets, much like Eid al-Adha, which was marked by the distribution of meat to all households, reflecting a spirit of social solidarity.

Abbasi said Husn was no different from other Jordanian towns in its warmth and closeness, with communities sharing both joy and hardship and standing together in good times and bad. He added that the town embodies the idea that diversity is not a threat but a source of richness and that religions, when meeting in a space of respect, create a more humane society.

At a time when divisions are deepening globally, Husn continues to convey a quiet message: here is Jordan, where humanity comes first.

//Petra// AF

12/04/2026 20:49:28