His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, alongside Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Governor of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and minister of Finance, offered condolences to His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, on the passing of sheikha Hessa Bint Hamid bin Abdul Rahman Al Shamsi.
During the visit to the condolence council in the Diwan al-Hakim in Umm al-Quwain, His Highness conveyed his deepest sympathies to Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al-Mualla and Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al-Mualla, Crown Prince of Umm Al-Quwain, praying for the deceased to be enveloped in divine mercy and granted eternal peace, and for solace to be bestowed upon the Al-Mualla family.
In the United States, expressions of sympathy and support during times of loss are deeply ingrained in the culture. Similar to the UAE’s tradition of offering condolences in person, Americans often send sympathy cards, flowers, or make charitable donations in the deceased’s name. These gestures serve to provide comfort and support to grieving families, reflecting a shared human experience of loss and remembrance.
The act of offering condolences, whether in the UAE or the U.S., underscores the importance of community and empathy in navigating grief. It highlights the universal need for human connection and support during challenging times.
The Global Language of Grief: How condolences Bridge Cultures in Times of Loss
Senior Editor,world Today News (WTN): Welcome,Dr. Fatima Al-Mansoori, renowned expert in cross-cultural mourning rituals and social dynamics.Today, we’re exploring the profound act of offering condolences, particularly its meaning in the UAE and its parallels in the United States. Dr. Al-Mansoori, isn’t it interesting how something as deeply personal as grief can be expressed so universally? What do you think is the core of these gestures?
Dr. Fatima Al-Mansoori: It’s absolutely true. The core lies in the shared human experience of loss. whether in Dubai or dubuque, the act of offering condolences is fundamentally about acknowledging the pain of others and extending support during their darkest hour. It’s a testament to our innate need for connection and community in the face of hardship.The specific rituals – the sending of sympathy cards, offering flowers, the in-person visit – are simply the vehicles through which we express this core human need for empathy. This universal understanding and empathetic response is the driving force behind the gesture of comforting those who are grieving.
WTN: The article highlights the in-person condolence visits in the UAE. Can you elaborate on the cultural significance of this practice, and how does it differ from expressions of sympathy in other cultures, such as in the U.S. as the article mentioned?
Dr. Al-Mansoori: In the UAE, and across many Arab cultures, in-person condolences are deeply ingrained in the social fabric. They’re not just a formality; they’re a sacred obligation. The visit is usually to the family of the deceased at a structured mourning period. This timeframe provides an opportunity for community members to pay their respects, offer prayers, and practically support the bereaved.It provides a physical manifestation of the collective sympathy. Compared to the U.S. where sympathy cards and memorial donations are more common, the focus in the UAE is often on the immediate tangible support and presence of the community. However, both offer the same foundation – supporting those in grief.
WTN: You mentioned the importance of tangible support. What specific actions are common during these condolence visits in the UAE?
Dr. Al-Mansoori: Beyond the prayers and words of comfort, practical support is paramount. The family of the deceased are frequently enough provided with meals, assistance with daily tasks, and are generally looked after by their extended network. It’s a exhibition of solidarity that eases the burden of grief. Furthermore, the focus of the community is on making all possible arrangements to reduce stressors:
Preparing and serving food: Often done by the community as a whole.
Making arrangements for the burial: Following Islamic customs.
Helping with family obligations: Helping with arrangements for the bereaved family.
WTN: How does the act of offering condolences impact the grieving process and community cohesion in both cultures?
dr. Al-Mansoori: Absolutely,offering condolences plays a critical role in navigating grief. For the bereaved, the support provides a sense of connection, reducing feelings of isolation and validating their pain.the ritual of receiving these expressions of sympathy forces a process of acceptance that they’re not alone. For the community, participating in the mourning process strengthens bonds and maintains a sense of shared humanity. it underlines that grief isn’t a personal burden to be endured alone, but a shared pathway to be navigated collectively. This reinforces the importance of social ties.
WTN: The article suggests that these gestures reflect a universal need for human connection. can you speak to the psychological underpinnings of this need, especially when it comes to grief?
Dr. Al-Mansoori: The desire for connection during grief stems from our basic need for belonging and social support. When we experience loss, our world is shattered. This is the reason why the in-person connection becomes even more crucial. We need to feel seen, heard, and validated in our pain. The shared experience of grief can profoundly strengthen bonds among family members and even among community members. Whether it’s face-to-face contact or through a support-themed greeting card, the underlying goal remains the same: to remind the grieving person that they are not alone and that they are cared for.
WTN: Given the increasing globalization and migration, what cross-cultural considerations are important when offering condolences to individuals from different backgrounds?
Dr. Al-Mansoori: Being mindful of cultural sensitivities is paramount.Before offering condolences, gaining knowledge helps prevent unintentional offense.
Researching Specific Customs: What is customary? What do they not want to receive?
Choosing the Right Language: It is important to speak to the family utilizing the right language.
Being Respectful of Religious Beliefs: Be aware of the different belief structures of the bereaved. For the unfamiliar, it is indeed better to ask for guidance.
WTN: What are some key takeaways for our readers who wish to offer comfort to someone experiencing loss?
Dr. Al-Mansoori: here are some practical things to remember:
Presence Matters: Your physical presence, if possible or appropriate, can provide great comfort.
Listen More Than Speak: Sometimes, just being a listening ear is the most valuable support.
Offer Practical Help: Depending on the relationship,provide support.
Respect the Grieving Process: It’s not a linear process; allow them to grieve in their way.
* Be patient: The healing process takes time, but persistence provides a sense of belonging.
WTN: Dr. al-Mansoori, thank you for providing such valuable insights. Your expertise has helped us understand that whether in Dubai or the U.S., the human gesture of offering condolences speaks a universal language of empathy and support.
Dr. Al-Mansoori: My pleasure. Remember, offering condolences is a gesture of humanity that transcends cultural boundaries. Irrespective of geography, remembering the kindness offered in times of great sorrow is the most critically important act we can do.
