Doha, March 18 (QNA) - The holy Ramadan is a unique month dedicated to fasting, praying, and reciting the verses of the Holy Qu'ran, during which generosity blends with the spirit of fraternity and social cohesion and earns appreciation and interest as an occasion that transcends the religious one to encompass earnest social bonds of the Islamic nation. It is also an opportunity to promote social relationships and bolster love and cooperative ties among the entire community segments.
The Majlis of the people of the State of Qatar is widely demonstrated during the holy month of Ramadan, constituting a hub for gathering and engagement between families and friends with candid values of hospitality that are part and parcel of the cultural and social identity.
There are numerous customs and Islamic traits the Majlis of the people of Qatar pursue, primarily opening its door to brothers, relatives, and fraternal people after the Taraweeh prayer, giving the space for communication and interaction between them before the time of suhur followed by a new dawn. The Majlis is a bridge to cement communication and social ties reflecting the spirit of cooperation and solidarity that signify the Qatari community during this generous month.
Nasser Ahmed is one of the people who is keen to open the majlis for his brothers and all relatives and acquaintances. He confirmed to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the majlis is a significant forum for relatives and all people, highlighting that the majlis draws an exponential number of visitors during the holy month of Ramadan, with an opportunity being given to many of them to visit relatives and friends who live in far off regions due to their preoccupation with life necessities and long distances that manifestly hamper these visits.
Majlis has not been merely a venue for convergence and entertainment, but rather a critical space for the convergence of relatives, friends and acquaintances, where they discuss social and public issues, Ahmed pointed out, adding that through time it has been morphed into platforms for discussions and conversations, where ideas and perspectives converge, constituting a fertile ground to educate the new generations about the etiquette of discussion and conversation, as well as hospitality which is a core part of the cultural and social patrimony.
The process of flocking to majlis is virtually mounting during Ramadan, owing to its unique nature, along with the religious and social characteristics that promote gathering and synergy among folks, Ahmed noted, underlining the tremendous role the majlis performs through history in fostering social engagement and offering the opportunity for individuals to gather and interact, particularly during the meal that precedes suhur which is known as 'Ghabga'.
He highlighted that majlis has been dramatically affected by the emergence of state-of-the-art social media, but it continued as a platform for education and a source of news and discussions, noting the crucial religious role played by majlis during Ramadan, such as recitation of the Holy Qur'an.
Majlis draws large crowds of people, is open to all age groups, and is not restricted to the elderly people, including all young people who take advantage of the previous generations, Ahmed stated.
Speaking to QNA, Fahd Hamad emphasized that parents are committed to accompanying their sons to the majlis to help them internalize knowledge from the elderly people, in addition to talking and taking part in public discussions. Also, for the sake of preserving the Qatari heritage and traditions, during these occasions, children learn how to pour coffee based on the inveterate traditions.
He highlighted that 'Ghabga' is part and parcel of the traditions the ancestors had bequeathed to generations, where friends and neighbors gather around a diverse banquet that includes a cornucopia of popular food and delicious meals, adding that it is held after Taraweeh prayer, creating a buoyant atmosphere of social engagement and synergy among individuals in terms of the superb cultural and social aspects of the Qatari tradition.
Majlis is akin to schools that imbue sons and children with good traditions and customs of ancestors who are widely proud of these traits, Hamad underlined, affirming that during majlis children are taught its etiquette, such as receiving guests and listening to elderly people while conversations are going on.
For his part, Muhammad Ali affirmed to QNA that Ramadan majlis is devoid of any sort of chatter and gossip and predominantly draws preachers and Imams who narrate the stories and present religious lessons that significantly help the attendees internalize the tenets of the true Islamic religion, especially the children. He emphasized the importance of accompanying children to the majlis to imbue them with good customs and the art of hospitality since listening to the elderly people would essentially promote good morals as an opportunity to refrain from state-of-the-art communication devices. (QNA)