Qatari youths losing Ramadan traditions
Ramadan traditions that preserved and strengthened social and family ties in the past have changed with the passage of time and the advent of communications technology.
The tradition of visiting relatives and neighbours to exchange greetings and goodies has mostly vanished from the Qatari community, say observers.
They blame the social media, mobile phones and television for hijacking the time that family members, relatives and neighbours used to spend together, according to Al Sharq.
Some observers noted that while people now claim to have busy lives, they spend more time than ever on shopping and travelling abroad.
The young generation is largely ignorant about old traditions, which can now be seen only in less busy places like Al Shamal, said Asma Al Fadhala, a Qatari social activist.
“Socialising and interaction among family members was very important during Ramadan in the old days. Our forefathers carried out all social responsibilities, because they knew it has a very important impact on society. But the new generation focuses more on electronic devices and communication, ignoring the family and traditional responsibilities,” she said.
“They don’t know the values we followed during Ramadan. Electronic devices have destroyed social life. Most families distribute food and goodies to strangers than to neighbours because some even feel shy carrying them door to door,” she added.
Visiting neighbours and relatives, gathering at a ‘majlis’ and conversing over traditional food is of little importance to the younger generation.
“Some don’t know their extended family... they claim to be busy. Many find time to travel abroad and go shopping, but not to visit relatives and neighbours. At least during the month of Ramadan or during special days like Eid people should spend time for preserving traditions, or the bonds will be destroyed,” said Moza Rashid Al Badher, a researcher in heritage and social issues.
Social links have been disrupted because members of one tribe or extended family live in different places, according to Esa Al Mullah, a Qatari researcher.
“Now, many social and cultural values don’t remain as before. In the early days, family ties were strong as they lived in the same area, and it helped keep traditions.
“But now, members of one family are scattered and living in different places. But electronic devices are creating distance even among people living in the same neighbourhood,” he added.
The Peninsula | Photo by Alan Holden
In "my" opinion, everything comes with its cons and pros,it is the duty of the person concerned to identify that and take a decision not merely on the benefits involved but also for what's right for him.
Such anti-culture and anti-tradition related issues don't usually go well with people especially in that part of the world where concepts like culture and traditions are invariably used with the identity of the region.
So people who have lived such days when they used to practice their culture which so much vigour ,expect the same from their kids,and sadly with the times being more technology- oriented, its hard to deny the fact that people seem to be lured by it and hence always end up playing tit for tat with the sole objective of staying ahead of others and this in turn takes a piece culture and tradition out of them whilst trying to keep up with the advancing world.
Thats what i mean by checking and cautiously embracing these technologies so as to be able to preserve our traditions. Another problem is no one wants to be left out in the dark, everyone wants to move along with development, so there comes another challenge to retention of the family values and traditions.
Although, this is discussion is about Qatari tradition. But the trend is not peculiar to the Qataris alone, it is a world wide phenomenon. Family social cohesion is fading gradually, the face to face interaction which is the norms has been overtaken by video chat, phone calls and most of all chatting using mobile phones. This is the world of today and these has got a negative effect on the family institution- Parents don't have to see there kids in the morning before they go to school in company of a driver, they can easily call or chat with the kids to know they are okay at school, spouses may not see and say greetings to each other in the morning, that can be done via chat or call while at both places of work. That bond within the immediate and extended family members is decreasing. Who is to be blamed for these trend? Advancement in technology, yeah right. But how we embrace these advancement in technology is the question, and most importantly need to be checked
We started by talking about whether Qataris are losing their traditions in Ramadan. Strangely they blame overuse of phones and computers, and too much travel. And if you read the newspaper today you will see deals for free extra data downloads available from Ooredoo, and Qatar Airways is having a Ramadan sale. If people want to blame anyone, why not blame Ooredoo and Qatar Airways?
hmmmm.... what's the topic again?...
I got lost reading the comments of MM....
What truth? I can honestly say I have no idea what you are talking about. Why don't you try by writing down what you want to say, and then re-reading it back to see if it makes sense, and then when everything is correct you can post it here. Otherwise you just end up posting lots of garbage that doesn't make sense and you end up looking like a moron who can't speak English.
Fubar , Not me but the truth might 've caused some pain to you. ..... Sun , 06.07.2014 , 11.00 hrs
Try to stay on topic please MM. Your comment is unrelated to the this article.
khalliwali u sound like my old friend magic dragon and LP
Fubar , If they 'r lenient with you for example by allowing you to login to QL while on duty you 'r still not happy , they understand your requirements & just ignore your repeated faults & you assume they don't know anything .................................. that's being unthankful on your part .... Sun , 06.07.2014 , 10.19 hrs
Khalli , Most people might have the ability to read media reports but only afew really understand it ......... they { media } know how to put news for your light entertainment which are of no value & plucked from the sky ... ....... Sun , 06.07.2014 , 10.15 hrs
If these people would rather ignore their neighbors and distant relatives and go on holiday to Thailand instead, what's the problem. That's their choice. This article is full of people saying that Qatari parents aren't capable of raising children who can make the right decisions, which is just offensive to Qataris.
Look folks , Through the devices they 'r actually @ emotionally near somebody who may be at some other place instead of their own homes, ........................................... Sun , 06.07.2014 , 09.01 hrs
Khalli, Your views arn't different in any way from the report. They blame devices & you blame the producers. That's not the solution............................................. Sun , 06.07.2014 , 09.00 hrs