Guest Post - (Embrace Doha) - Eid in Qatar

Eid Al-Fitr in Qatar

Ramadan is almost reached its end and one of the most two enjoyable days in Islam is knocking our doors. Eid Al-Fitr which is a day of happiness and thanking Allah Almighty for His blessings starts actually from the moment of sightings the new moon of "Shawwal" the lunar month comes after Ramadan or by the end of 30th night of Ramadan.

Muslims around the Islamic world start preparing for Eid by shopping for new clothes and renewing their homes for guests and usually the Souqs and Malls are crowded couple of days before Eid.

You will also notice people getting ready for Eid the previous day with a nice haircut and by giving a good wash for their vehicles!

When the end of Ramadan and start of Eid Al-Fitr is announced Muslims start showing their happiness by saying Takbeer and thanking and Glorifying Allah loudly and in public.

The busy day of Eid Al-Fitr starts directly after performing Al-Fajr prayer and eating few dates. It is a tradition of the Prophet (May peace be upon him) to have few dates before going out for the Prayer on the Day of Eidul Fitr.

Then Muslims start to get out their Zakat Al-Fitr for themselves and for who they are responsible for like their wives and children. This Zakah goes to to poor which should be the staple food of the land link rice, dates and wheat and  must be given before the Eid prayer.

For Eid prayer people start to make Ghusl (Full Bath)  to be clean, wear their new clothes or best of what they have, wear perfumes (Musk or Oud oil and Bukhoor or Oud) and head to the Mussalah Al-Eid (usually Eid prayer is prayed in an open ground so that those who are unable to pray can also attend and share the blessings) or Masjids to perform the Eid prayer which is obligatory for all Muslims in all ages and status.

After finishing the prayer and listening to the Imam's (Khutba) speech, people greet their Muslim brothers, neighbours and their families and congratulate them and make this supplication for each other saying "Taqabbal Allah minna wa minkum" which means "May Allah accept from us and you".

And from early morning men start visiting their neighbors and friends, sending messages and making a lot of calls to everyone they know even to those whom they have not been in contact for sometime.

For some, it is a day of happiness which can't be achieved without spending a lot of money!! Yes this is what kids are waiting for and competing with each other to collect the largest amount of money that their parents, families and neighbours give them to make them happy.

It would be nice to give some money or  "Eidiah" to the poor, needy and the workers and make them happy by sharing some of the blessings Allah has given us.

It's common in Qatari families at afternoon to have the lunch in the grandfather's house or the big house of the family where the whole family gather. The lunch most probably will be the delicious Arabic rice with lamb and a variety of desserts and sweets will be offered afterwards.

Visiting the relatives and friends will be continued after performing Al-Aser prayer till night. After that people are free to get out with their friends to malls or having dinner at  restaurants.

A word of caution! Drive with care during the morning when people are rushing for the Eid prayer. Kids will be around visting the neighbourhood collecting their "Eidiah too!

Enjoy Your Eid!





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