Soldiers experience Ramadan celebration in Qatar

Photo By Dustin Senger | Nagi Shnuda, Four Seasons Hotel Ramadan tent manager, and U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Teresa Bozeman, from Hazlehurst, Miss., enter a Four Seasons Hotel ballroom with several U.S. Soldiers during an evening feast in Qatar, Sept. 14, 2008. Shnuda escorted the group through the hotel, providing explanations of the evening's traditional customs and religious significance during Ramadan.  

DOHA, QATAR

09.14.2008

Story by Dustin Senger 

Area Support Group - Qatar

By Dustin Senger
Area Support Group Qatar

DOHA, Qatar – U.S. Soldiers stationed in Qatar absorbed a traditional Islamic custom by attending a Ramadan celebration at the Four Seasons Hotel, Qatar, Sept. 14, 2008. Qatar is an Islamic nation located off Saudi Arabia's eastern coastline. Currently, healthy adult Muslims are observing Ramadan, a month when much of the nation is desolate throughout daylight hours due to devout fasting requirements. Daily abstinence is ended with "iftar," an Arabic word for the fast-breaking meal at sunset. Following iftar, extravagant festivities begin throughout the nation – from private family get-togethers, to extensive social gatherings.

"I am amazed by all the decorations," said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Teresa Bozeman, from Hazlehurst, Miss., while entering a Four Seasons Hotel ballroom, lavishly decorated to resemble an enormous tent-like structure. "Everything is very elegant – the music, people and food." Several five-star hotels in Qatar provide Ramadan tents that combine Arabic tradition with modern hospitality.

"Suhur" is an Arabic word referring to the meal fasting Muslims eat prior to dawn. Suhur celebrations begin around 9 p.m. and carry on throughout the night. People of all religious faiths assemble to experience international cuisines immersed in Arabic music, dancing and singing. Muslims seek evening venues for family get-togethers and community celebrations – others join to gain cultural understanding and soak in the country's prolific Arabic atmosphere.

"I have experienced Ramadan in Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan and now Qatar," said U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Donald Williams, from Houston Texas. "I attended a Ramadan feast in Afghanistan, but this is much bigger. It's a good representation of the Qataris ability to hold huge celebrations in exclusive hotels." Nagi Shnuda, Four Seasons Hotel Ramadan tent manager, escorted the group through the hotel, providing explanations of the event's traditional customs and religious significance. "The hotel management was hospitable and really set the tone by explaining the sequence of everything, and each step's meaning in Islam."

"Several palaces in Iraq look like they were once just as nice as the five-star hotels in Qatar," said Williams. "This event reminds us of what Iraq can become: a beautiful and peaceful Islamic country."

• Date Taken: 09.14.2008
• Date Posted: 09.14.2008 11:29
• Story ID: 23638
• Location: DOHA, QA