Youngsters gather in tents after Iftar and play cards
Dubai - Emirati youth spend quality time with friends during Ramadan, playing cards
Published: Tue 28 Jun 2016, 7:38 PM
Last updated: Wed 29 Jun 2016, 8:59 AM
Emiriti youth are as dynamic and active during the holy month of Ramadan compared to any other month of the year. After ending the fast and offering late night prayers (Taraveihi), they prefer to spend their time with family and friends.
They often gather in tents pitched next to their homes or in the open areas far away in the desert.
Some prefer the indoor Majlis where they discuss social issues and get involved in various activities. They play cards, exchange stories about personal adventures and chat with each other until the break of dawn.
In the past, the youth used to play basketball though the kandoora offered little room for them to play freely. But with the changing times and the mushrooming of gyms and health centres, most youth have stopped sweating it out in the open.
The game of cards, however, is very popular among the youth. Organised teams move from one majlis to another for a challenge. In some majlises signs are installed outside with fixtures and teams mentioned, while in others prizes are announced making the game more challenging and exciting.
"What makes Ramadan different is the coming together of youth, especially those whom we have not seen in a while," said Rashid Al Marzouki, self-proclaimed 'king of cards'.
It is important that families and friends gather together during Ramadan, said Al Marzouki. It should also be a time to strengthen relationships. Sadly, people spend time visiting shopping malls and movie theatres, he said. Many of them spend time watching TV, too, he added. This is not how it is meant to be. People should spend more time with people, he said.
Al Marzouki, however, avoids Ramadan tents with shisha. "I hate smoking," he said.
"Playing cards is an old game which I learnt from my older brother," said Al Marzouki. "Seldom is there a Ramadan majlis where card games are not played." There is a lot of fun and enthusiasm at such tents, he said. Agreements are reached with regards to the teams, and the friends collect money to buy the late night meal (Sihri) each day as the whole family gathers.
Ahmed Darwish, another Emirati said his hobby is playing cards. After Iftar he and his friends start playing the game and this continues until dawn.
The most popular game is called IKout. "Each team consists of three players. I choose my teammates carefully so I can play and go to bed happily at the end of it all. The game is a challenge for the teams, and, of course, conflicts and disputes arise. But players must remain cool and collected to win. Nervousness and a short temper will only make you lose," he said.
Many quarrels and fights have occurred in the past due to cheating. Such behaviour is not to be encouraged, he added. "In our games, players are confident and want to show off their skills and tricks to win.
Abdullah Al Marzouki, another enthusiastic card player added that youth need some sort of entertainment to bring them together instead of spending time on mobile phones and watching TV. And, if the activity is fun, they will surely get together.
"Such gatherings and get-togethers enhance and cement relationships. There is a sense of camaraderie among members of society and old friendships are strengthened while new are made," he noted.
"We have seen our ancestors play cards, in fact, they have inspired us. It is from here that we have picked the game."
"People in the GCC are known for playing cards when they gather. Yes, each country has a different game, but the rules of the game remain the same. The game is played with a spirit of sportsmanship and all is fair in it," he added.
Many of the rituals and customs of the month of fasting have been lost, added Abdullah Al Marzouki. "But we do not want our gatherings to vanish. We do not want to move to commercial Ramadan tents. We do not want to spend time at shopping malls or watching TV at home. We want our friendship to continue. And we want to meet people face to face and have a good time with them. Hence we are endeavouring to preserve these gatherings in the tents pitched in front of our houses. And we wish to continue meeting even after the holy month."
malzarooni@khaleejtimes.com
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