JEDDAH, 20 December 2006 — The ubiquitous black headband worn in Saudi Arabia has started appearing on people’s wrists as bracelets, the product of a fund-raising campaign launched recently by a group of local businessmen to raise money for youth projects at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI).
“We want our youths to stop being pulled back by circumstances and start believing more in their power within,” said Abeer Joharji. “The wristband is a reminder of the goals we set.”
Joharji works for a group called Innovative Ideas, which came up with the project titled Agdar (“I Can”) to help raise awareness of the need to foster pride and develop skills among Saudi youngsters.
The igal is said to have gotten its black color during the Abbasid era after the fall of Muslim rule over southern Spain.
Muslims began tying a black cloth around their heads to express their sadness and grief.
Whatever the origin of the igal and its color (practically speaking, it helps hold down a man’s desert headscarf, or ghutra), it has turned into a symbol of pride. The Bedouin version of “throwing down the gauntlet” is to remove your headband and toss it to the ground in front of a person to whom you feel obliged to ask a favor.
Joharji said the idea of the using the igal was inspired by the Prophet’s saying “iqlha and tawakal”, which means “secure it and entrust God”.
One Hadith describes a man asking the Prophet (peace be upon him) if he could leave his camel in front of his house and have faith in God that it would not run away.
The Prophet replied that he should secure the camel and have faith in God that it will be there when he returns. Joharji says this story illustrates the need for people not only to have faith in God, but also to have the initiative and foresight to be proactive to achieve their goals in this life.
“The aim of the idea is to promote to youths that they can achieve what they set their minds to do,” said Joharji. “This is about supporting Saudi youth.”
The proceeds of the sale of the SR35 wristbands are to help fund two JCCI projects: one to build and maintain public parks in Jeddah and the other for a teacher-training project to improve local teaching skills.
There are around 17 outlets in major cities around the Kingdom selling the wristbands.
Agdar has a number of future projects in the works, including a business center for young men and women.
“I bought three wristbands and I would go back for more. They make great gifts,” said Sarah, 28. “I love the idea, it’s Saudi and I feel the power of the message,” she added.
