Tribune News Network
Doha
Ramadan is an important religious observance for Muslims worldwide, and it is no different for the students, parents, and staff at GEMS American Academy Qatar (GAAQ).
As one of the main events to acknowledge and respect the Holy Month of Ramadan, this year event was highly-anticipated by the entire school community.
This was first school Ramadan event held by GAAQ since the onset of the pandemic. The events organised by the school’s National Honour Society (NHS), aimed at bringing the school community together to celebrate the holy month in a meaningful way.
The school hosted a Ramadan Community Iftar, which provided an opportunity for parents, students, and staff to come together and celebrate the holy month of Ramadan. The school also extended an invitation to its neighbouring school, GEMS Wellington School Qatar, to take part in the festivities, further strengthening the ties between the two communities.
The event began with a short Khutbah, a traditional Islamic sermon that provided valuable insights into the significance of Ramadan. Attendees then participated in communal Maghrib prayer, led by GAAQ student Ameer Al-Khafaji, whose beautiful recitation mesmerised the audience. The Iftar culminated in a sumptuous buffet-style dinner that showcased a wide variety of cuisines, reflecting the diverse student community’s 71 nationalities.
Feras Skeik, the parent of a GAAQ student, said: “GAAQ’s commitment to fostering a sense of unity and harmony within the school community and showcasing the rich cultural diversity of its student population is truly admirable.”
Additionally, a group of high school students embarked on an extraordinary pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, a sacred ritual that holds immense significance in the Muslim faith. During the holy month, these students journeyed to the revered Masjid Al-Haram in Mecca, the holiest site in Islam, to fulfil their spiritual yearnings.
Talal Saoudi, a GAAQ student, said: “Visiting the holy city of Mecca, where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born, is like an escape from this worldly life. There is something special about being gathered with thousands of other Muslims of different races, classes, and backgrounds for the same purpose. It was an indescribable and unforgettable experience that left an indelible mark on my soul.”
The National Honour Society also launched a Ramadan Food Drive and donated 300 kg of non-perishable items for over 100 support staff, cleaners, and security guards.
Leen Samhouri, president of National Honour Society, said: “We are proud to see our parents, students, and staff coming together to give back to the hardworking individuals who tirelessly support our school. This service-oriented mindset can extend beyond Ramadan and inspire individuals to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of giving back and helping others, and continue volunteering and making a positive impact in their communities throughout the year”.
Moreover, the school celebrated Garangao, where kindergarten students dressed up in traditional Qatari or Islamic clothes, sang the popular folk song in the Gulf region, and visited the early years classrooms to collect sweets, nuts, and gifts from their neighbouring teachers and peers. The air was filled with laughter, excitement, and the sweet aroma of traditional sweets.
To further promote community support and unity, the school adopted a new tradition called “Thawb Thursdays” where every Thursday, staff and students dressed up in traditional ‘thobes’ or ‘abayas’ to show their support for the special time.
The student-led activities included mesmerising Quran recitations, captivating plays and performances, intriguing trivia games with exciting prizes, as well as a touching documentary video featuring staff Ramadan reflections and the values of empathy, inclusivity, and understanding.
