Burning bakhoor (traditional Arabic incense) is a wonderful way to fill a space with aromatic scents. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to properly burn bakhoor:
Materials Needed:
- Bakhoor (incense): Traditional wood chips or resin soaked in fragrant oils.
- Incense burner (mabkhara): A small vessel used to hold the bakhoor while it's burning.
- Charcoal: Small pieces of natural charcoal (or an electric bakhoor burner, if preferred).
- Tongs: To handle hot charcoal.
- Matches or a lighter: To light the charcoal.
- A safe, flat surface: To place the incense burner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Charcoal:
- Take a piece of natural charcoal and place it on the incense burner (mabkhara). Charcoal is commonly used to create a steady, consistent heat that burns the bakhoor.
- Light the charcoal using a match or lighter. You can also use a specialized charcoal burner or electric lighter to make this easier.
- Wait for the charcoal to turn red or gray (this should take about 5-10 minutes). It should be glowing hot before you move on to the next step.
- Place the Bakhoor:
- Once the charcoal is hot and glowing, use tongs to carefully place a small amount of bakhoor (incense) onto the charcoal. You don’t need a lot; a pinch or a small piece of bakhoor will suffice.
- If you’re using traditional bakhoor wood pieces, you can break them into smaller chunks for better heat distribution.
- Wait for the Fragrance to Release:
- As the bakhoor starts to melt or vaporize due to the heat of the charcoal, it will begin to release a fragrant smoke. The scent should start filling the room almost immediately.
- The bakhoor may continue to smolder for several minutes. If the scent weakens, you can add a little more bakhoor on top of the charcoal.
- Enjoy the Aroma:
- Allow the bakhoor’s fragrance to permeate the room. The burning process may last anywhere from 15-30 minutes, depending on the size and type of bakhoor being used.
- Extinguish the Charcoal:
- When you're done, carefully extinguish the charcoal. You can place it in a heat-resistant container or simply wait for it to burn out. Always make sure the charcoal is fully out to prevent any accidental fires.
Safety Tips:
- Never leave burning bakhoor unattended.
- Make sure your burning area is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling too much smoke.
- Place the incense burner on a heat-resistant surface, away from flammable objects.
- Use tongs to handle hot charcoal to avoid burns.
