KUWAIT CITY, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Ghabqa is one of the modern traditions during the holy month of Ramadan that people practice between Iftar time and pre-dawn Suhoor, which is a gathering of friends and family with food.
Ghabqa is very common in Kuwait, which provides an atmosphere of joy and happiness among the community members.
Usually, it is about entertaining, live music, and a variety of food, Ramadan drinks, and Arabic sweets that start in the late evening till midnight.
Some Kuwaitis think that Ghabqa represents the true nature of Ramadan where people meet not only to eat food, but also to strengthen their social relations while others deem that it is a waste of time.
Ali Al-Moqadam, 22-year-old accountant, told Xinhua that a lot of companies hold Ghabqa for the employees and invitees for socializing.
"It is a great time to indulge in food and strengthen ties among colleagues, which reflects the true nature of the holy month," he said.
Al-Moqadam added that his family members usually hold such a gathering, which gives an intimate feeling and makes friends close to each other.
"It is a great tradition and I would like to see it adopted by many people as this tradition intends to bring together the largest number of relatives, loved ones and friends in one place," he added.
Abeer Omar, 28-year-old teacher, said that "Ghabqa is a great event to connect with people around you as you are too busy to communicate in normal days."
"In Ramadan, especially Ghabqas, I can communicate with friends that I did not see for a long time because of work," Omar said.
"Also, non-Muslims can get involved and share our moments because the event is set up to bring the entire community together to reconnect and exchange Ramadan greetings, especially at the beginning of the month," she noted.
However, for Aziza Ali, 63-year-old housewife, Ghabqa is a nice event but it does not represent Ramadan.
"Ghabqa is fun but it has music and inappropriate clothes which do not represent the values of Ramadan about respect, and the fact is that it's a month of worship and good deeds," she said.
"It is recommended to dress conservatively during the month of Ramadan. Also, music is not allowed in Ramadan ... so I think this event could offend the religious ones," she explained.
Reem Abu Qaoud, 33 years-old marketer, said that Ghabqa is overrated.
"To attend Ghabqa, you have to wear the finest and expensive clothes to show off but the timing is not suitable," she said, adding that "we need time to rest after Iftar, instead of dressing in fancy clothes to go to eat again."
