Top Qatar general invites troops to Iftar

Photo By Dustin Senger | Qatar air force Brig. Gen. Abdullah Jumaan Al Hamad, armed forces general coordinator, meets with U.S. Army Col. David G. Cotter, Area Support Group Qatar commander, and Hani Abukishk, ASG-QA civil affairs officer, prior to sunset during the holy month of Ramadan, Qatar, Sept. 23, 2008. During Ramadan, Muslims congregate to pray as a community at sunset. "Iftar" is an Arabic word for the fast-breaking meal following the sunset prayer. The Qatar armed forces chief of staff invited several U.S. military officers to experience the cultural and religious tradition in the Gulf state.  

DOHA, QATAR

09.23.2008

Story by Dustin Senger 

Area Support Group - Qatar

By Dustin Senger
Area Support Group Qatar

DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Army Maj. Gen. Hamad bin Ali Al Attiyah, armed forces chief of staff, invited several U.S. military officers to experience a traditional Islamic feast during the holy month of Ramadan, Sept. 23, 2008.

"This is my first time accepting the hospitality of our Qatari hosts away from the military installation," said U.S. Army Maj. Frank O. Pfau, from Butte, Mont. "It was a generous invitation and it's important for soldiers to learn cultural sensitivity and understanding while overseas."

Qatar is an Islamic state located along the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia. The nation is currently observing Ramadan, a month of daily fasting and increased prayer for Muslims. Ramadan is believed to be the month in which the Koran was first revealed to the prophet Mohammed in the 6th century. The fourth pillar of Islam requires followers to fast from sunrise to sunset – no eating, drinking, profanity or impure thoughts which would distract Muslim's from daily prayers.

After sunset is announced, Muslims congregate to break their fasts and pray as a community. In the Gulf countries, the fast is traditionally broken with water, tea, milk and dates. "Iftar," is an Arabic word for the fast-breaking meal following the sunset prayer during Ramadan.

"Every year the general invites foreign military officers to Iftar," said Hani Abukishk, U.S. Army Central Area Support Group Qatar civil affairs officer. "Participation helps everyone understand the importance of the holy month of Ramadan while assigned to Qatar. It's one of many relationship building events."

• Date Taken: 09.23.2008
• Date Posted: 09.24.2008 08:22
• Story ID: 24072
• Location: DOHA, QA