Oman eagerly anticipates festive Eid celebrations
Published: 05:04 PM,Apr 20,2023 | EDITED : 09:04 PM,Apr 20,2023
As we come to the end of Ramadhan, Oman is abuzz with excitement over the Eid al Fitr festival break, which will be a special one indeed, simply because we are no longer in the shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions attached to it.
But before it finally comes to an end, there are still certain obligations left to fulfil, such as giving zakat, a form of charity to be given.
“This is an obligatory charity for every able Muslim. The purpose of zakat is to atone for any indecent act committed or word spoken by the faithful during the days of fasting. Additionally, it helps the poor and the needy,” said Naser al Jahdhami, Imam of the mosque in Athaiba.
“As we are witnessing the suffering of our Muslim brothers and sisters across the globe, it is our duty to ensure we do our part by giving zakat so that they can also celebrate Eid,” he added.
Bidding farewell to the days of fasting, there is always a sense of sadness at the departure of Ramadhan even as we prepare to celebrate Eid and for having successfully achieved the month’s purpose.
While traditional Eid activities differ from culture to culture, the first and most significant of these is offering early morning prayers, for which everyone is up before the sun peeps out.
Eid celebrations are important and deserve adequate preparations. “We missed the real feel of the festival last Eid al Fitr. So we are happy that this time will be full of activities, as all Covid-19 restrictions have been removed. This Eid will be a special one indeed,” said Suhar resident Mohammed al Balushi.
For many, the Eid break is a social occasion when family and friends come together, rather than a time to travel.
“Many of us were not able to physically be with our loved ones in the past Eid al Fitr. So we are happy we will get to celebrate Eid with our family and friends,” said Al Ansab resident Abdullah al Naamani.
During Eid, many families make elaborate arrangements and meet at public parks or gardens to celebrate the first day of Eid.
“For many in the capital, it is customary to have a day out during the Eid holidays either in farmhouses, public parks, or driving to their home towns,” Khalfan al Khaldi, Muscat resident, said.
“Everyone looks forward to these occasions and gatherings. I usually go to my home town on the first day. For the second and third day, we gather as a big family either in one of the farmhouses or in the public parks where we enjoy talks over food,” he added.
For some, Eid is also the time to see Oman in depth hence boosting local tourism.
“We are all looking forward to celebrating Eid and many of us will use the holidays to go to local destinations. Considering the holiday is short, international travel is out of bounds. So this is the opportunity to see Oman,” said Seeb resident Mukhtar Sultan.
But before it finally comes to an end, there are still certain obligations left to fulfil, such as giving zakat, a form of charity to be given.
“This is an obligatory charity for every able Muslim. The purpose of zakat is to atone for any indecent act committed or word spoken by the faithful during the days of fasting. Additionally, it helps the poor and the needy,” said Naser al Jahdhami, Imam of the mosque in Athaiba.
“As we are witnessing the suffering of our Muslim brothers and sisters across the globe, it is our duty to ensure we do our part by giving zakat so that they can also celebrate Eid,” he added.
Bidding farewell to the days of fasting, there is always a sense of sadness at the departure of Ramadhan even as we prepare to celebrate Eid and for having successfully achieved the month’s purpose.
While traditional Eid activities differ from culture to culture, the first and most significant of these is offering early morning prayers, for which everyone is up before the sun peeps out.
Eid celebrations are important and deserve adequate preparations. “We missed the real feel of the festival last Eid al Fitr. So we are happy that this time will be full of activities, as all Covid-19 restrictions have been removed. This Eid will be a special one indeed,” said Suhar resident Mohammed al Balushi.
For many, the Eid break is a social occasion when family and friends come together, rather than a time to travel.
“Many of us were not able to physically be with our loved ones in the past Eid al Fitr. So we are happy we will get to celebrate Eid with our family and friends,” said Al Ansab resident Abdullah al Naamani.
During Eid, many families make elaborate arrangements and meet at public parks or gardens to celebrate the first day of Eid.
“For many in the capital, it is customary to have a day out during the Eid holidays either in farmhouses, public parks, or driving to their home towns,” Khalfan al Khaldi, Muscat resident, said.
“Everyone looks forward to these occasions and gatherings. I usually go to my home town on the first day. For the second and third day, we gather as a big family either in one of the farmhouses or in the public parks where we enjoy talks over food,” he added.
For some, Eid is also the time to see Oman in depth hence boosting local tourism.
“We are all looking forward to celebrating Eid and many of us will use the holidays to go to local destinations. Considering the holiday is short, international travel is out of bounds. So this is the opportunity to see Oman,” said Seeb resident Mukhtar Sultan.