Ghabga: One of the Most Famous Ramadan Meals in Qatar
Qatari people are accustomed to gathering in private houses during Ramadan over the table of "Ghabga" between iftar and suhoor. Ghabga has established a historical and social tradition in the Gulf, one that inhabitants have been following since the beginning of the twentieth century. "Ghabga" is an ancient Ramadan ceremony that is still practiced in Qatari and Gulf society to encourage social connection and unity. With the advent of modernity, it has taken on various forms, including late Ramadan dinner, which comes before the suhoor meal. It is usually held between the hours of 11 p.m. and 2 p.m. Qatari men gather around a table to eat Ghabga .
Increasing Solidarity:
Qatari and Gulf citizens spend Ramadan evenings at home, inviting family and friends to their homes and using the occasion to build their social bonds. Ghabga is usually held between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m., allowing guests to respond to an invitation more quickly. Ghabga is derived from Ghabga, an ancient Arabic habit that refers to late-night eating. The Ghabga Ramadan dish "Al-Muhammar" consists of fried pure fish and rice cooked with sugar or dibs, and is preserved by Gulf people (the essence of dates). The Ghabga's only varnish dish lasted until the 1960s, when the side dishes, including several Syrian meals, arrived.
Social Tradition:
Before the 1960s, Gulf households used to enjoy a single Ghabga meal, with the men eating first and the ladies following. The Ghabga dish of Al-Muhammar is associated with the Arabian Gulf's coastal districts. Divers eat at sea, whereas meat replaces fish on the inside. The people of the Arabian Gulf chose this meal for the Ghabga because it keeps the fasting person from becoming thirsty the next day. God only knows. Many individuals believe that the Ghabga has evolved in terms of dietary varieties. The table used to be restricted to one or two dishes at most, but now it is brimming with a variety of foods, both popular and unpopular, yet despite the differences, it remains a gathering that everyone is pleased to attend.
Healthy Meal:
Ghabga is a healthy meal that is served between iftar and suhoor meals because morning and suhoor meals are more expensive. It is necessary not to exhaust the stomach with significant amounts of fat food after iftar for a lengthy day, up to fifteen hours, as this tired the stomach and causes a mood of inactivity in the fasting person, preventing the fasting person from doing the Taraweeh prayer. During the holy month of Ramadan, Ghabga is not a common supper. It is associated with feasts that boost family and friend relationships of friendship and brotherhood.
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