MUSCAT: For the Omani society, Eid Al Fitr represents a social and cultural occasion that is beyond being simply a celebration that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadhan. It is an annual occasion that renews familial and social bonds. On this occasion, the values of compassion, communication and kinship are embodied, and Omani customs and traditions that reflect the distinguished Omani identity and authenticity of the community are passed down. Parents, children, and grandchildren gather in joy, and the spirit of cooperation and solidarity among members of society comes alive.
Abdullah bin Sulaiman al al Shariani said that Eid Al Fitr celebration in the past was characterised by a display of traditional and authentic heritage. Families would begin preparing for the Eid from the beginning of Ramadhan by readying new clothes and decorations. Ursiya and Qabuli were served for breakfast on the first day of Eid, known as Tasbuhat Al Eid. They would also prepare barbecues and Mishkak, which are linked to Eid in the Omani society.
He added that the celebrations included popular festivities known as ‘Al Makhraj or Al Azwa, where traditional folk arts were performed. The Eid cannons were also fired to herald the arrival of this joyous occasion, creating an atmosphere of happiness and celebration in villages and towns alike.
He added that one of the most prominent traditional aspects of Eid in Omani society is the spirit of community cooperation among families, especially in preparing barbecue. Families would gather to grind the spices for barbecue and prepare the skewers, and the barbecue areas (tannour) in the neighbourhoods would be readied by collecting firewood or palm trunks prior to Eid.
He noted that family gatherings were more frequent in the past, with families and neighbours meeting in the morning before or after Eid prayers, according to local custom, to share breakfast together in an atmosphere of warmth and social cohesion.
He noted that folk arts such as the Razha dance were performed in many villages of the Sultanate of Oman during Eid Al Fitr, along with horse and camel races, archery, and shooting competitions, often accompanied by what is known as the Eid market or Al Ayoud wal Makhraj, a place where people gathered to celebrate and exchange Eid greetings.
Al Shariani said that Eid Al Fitr has always been a significant factor in enhancing familial and social bonds. He added that the difference between the past and present lies only in the method of communication; in the past, relatives endured the hardship of travel to visit one another at a time when only traditional means of transportation existed. Nowadays, communication and transportation are much easier and faster, allowing for strong bonds and cooperation among members of society. This is evident in community participation in preparing barbecues, using the tannoor oven to grill kebabs, or, in some Omani communities, preparing madhbi, practices that reflect the spirit of solidarity and cohesion that characterise the Omani society.
Dr Abdulrahman bin Mohammed al Siyabi, Director of the Department of Awqaf and Religious Affairs in the Al Batinah South Governorate, said: “Eid Al Fitr marks the culmination of a great month of Ramadhan during which Muslims experience an atmosphere of faith and spiritual elevation through fasting, prayer, and other acts of righteousness. Eid Al Fitr is associated with the spirit of gratitude to Allah Almighty for the blessing of being able to complete the fasting until the end of Ramadhan and the joy experienced by the believer in reaching the end of a month in which souls were purified and hearts cleansed. Islam is the religion of innate nature, which Allah Almighty has chosen for His servants, and He is the most knowledgeable of what is best for them.
It is from His mercy that He has ordained after the month of fasting a joy for the believers, in which they express their happiness over completing the month of fasting.
Besides, the Eid Al Fitr prayer and religious gatherings represent a manifestation of the unity and cohesion of society, where people come together in a majestic display of faith that reflects the spirit of brotherhood and equality among Muslims. In the prayer square, everyone stands shoulder to shoulder, rich and poor, young and old, they chant praises and glorify Allah Almighty, deeply feeling the meaning of servitude to Him. This gathering becomes an opportunity to renew social bonds and strengthen ties of affection.
This occasion also highlights the ethical values advocated by Islam, embodying the meanings of generosity, giving, extending a helping hand to the needy, maintaining kinship ties, visiting the sick and forgiving those who have wronged them, and comforting those in distress. Religious occasions in Islam are not merely fleeting rituals, but rather educational seasons that instil in people the values of sincerity, tolerance, and generosity, contributing to the building of a compassionate and supportive society characterised by cooperation and love.
Social researcher Wafa bint Masoud al Farsi said that Omani girls are an integral part of the family as they contribute alongside other family members to the preparations for Eid and its various rituals. In addition to their personal preparations for Eid, such as paying attention to their clothing and appearance, including traditional attire and henna, they also participate in the various family preparations leading up to the holiday. They help tidy up and decorate the house as well as prepare or buy sweets to treat well-wishers. — ONA
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