The
spirit of `Eid Al-Adha is not just slaughtering an animal and giving its meat to
the poor, or visiting relatives and friends, and giving the youngsters a good
time (although it is all of that too). It essentially represents the universal
solidarity of those who acknowledge the Creator and the wonders of His creation.
Throughout time and human experience, the cultures of countries and peoples have
emerged to form the magnificent mosaic of life. Often the most harmonious of
human ventures and gatherings are those based on sharing traditions, and the
kindness, friendliness, and mercy stemming from essential beliefs in piety, and
the Mercy of the Creator of all that exists.
In
this spirit, Al-Balagh Cultural Society in Qatar held its first “Experience
Traditional Qatari `Eid” celebration on Monday, January 24, 2005. Many
foreigners were attracted to attend the gathering and formed a large crowd from
many countries including guests from America, India, Canada, Scotland, Australia
and others.
`Eid
Al-Adha is the peak of devotion to the Creator and desire to share and celebrate
the bounties of life, so with this in mind, Al-Balagh Cultural Society staff
sought to share their precious costumes and traditions as monuments of
solidarity and culture, and sharing the driving force behind these, with the
visitors to their nation.
It
was in this spirit that the event was held. The hosts wore traditional, long
flowing, brightly colored gowns. In accord with Qatari tradition, guests were
first served coffee which is a hallmark of their hospitality. Throughout
centuries and before the advent of modern luxuries, gatherings of people sipping
coffee in comfortable surroundings have formed the places where disputes were
put down, negotiations made, and treaties agreed upon. And now in the modern
world and especially at this `Eid celebration, a host of various cultures sat
side by side, in a friendly communicative atmosphere drinking the same Qatari
coffee and sharing their perception of the world.
After
this, guests were guided to a traditionally designed room where photos were
taken. In typical Qatari fashion, everything moves without a rush and there
is ample time to make new friends and explore the beauty of ornaments,
oriental designs, and the particulars of local traditions.
This
event was a great success as expressed by visitors such as Margaret from
Australia
who wrote, “A most wonderful experience, shukran for sharing.” Another
visitor wrote, “Many thanks for a very interesting and beautifully
organized program. I thoroughly enjoyed everything offered including the
perfumes and traditional foods. Very valuable education for me”.
But
Qatari tradition was not only to be viewed by the visitors. They all had
their photographs taken while wearing traditional Qatari ladies dresses
known as “Thuwab Al-Nashal” and traditional jewelry. The visitors were
also treated to traditional Qatari dishes such as the savory “Harees”
and the scrumptious “Lugaymat”.
It
was a gourmet of tradition including the foundation of belief, and the food,
dress, and artwork of the people who took the chance to reach out and share
something needed in today's world – a solid pattern of beauty as rich and
robust as arabesque carvings and finely decorated fabric – a complex yet
simple and beautiful pattern of life and richness. This richness has
extended throughout centuries, to be shared today with guests who were eager
to learn about the customs and traditions of Qatari families and the way of
life that makes them so unique.
The
visitors were also given an overview of the nature of the work of the
society including coverage of IslamOnline.net which is its core product.
Rated as the most popular religion and spirituality site on the internet and
the 12th most popular social site by Alexa Internet Traffic Ranking, this
popular website offers information about Islam and its civilizations, the
world and its changes, current affairs and their analyses, and general
information and services that one cannot do without in the 21st
century.
Guests
left the event with henna on their hands, the fragrance of traditional Qatari
perfumes on their clothes, the traditional gift of dates, as well as fond
memories of traditional Qatari hospitality. But most of all they caught a
glimpse at traditions that go far beyond the sparkling beauty of ornaments and
food, to the richness of the hearts, and the friendliness and decency emanating
from people who uphold the belief behind the traditions.
Original
article revised by Selma Cook
Selma
Cook is Managing Editor of the Youth Section and Volunteer Youth Resource
Network at Islam Online.net. She has written a number of books including: Buried
Treasure (An Islamic novel for teenagers), The Light of Submission (Islamic
Poetry). She has also edited and revised many Islamic books. She can be
contacted at: youth_campaign@iolteam.com
