the month of ramadan has wrapped up and we have now moved onto the celebration of 'eid'...the holiday that symbolizes the breaking of the fasting period or when the angel gabriel descended with white clothes for each of the prophet muhammad's grandsons. it is a huge celebration that lasts for 3 days. the day depends on the sighting of the moon or the scientific calculations of the lunar calendar therefore, it was only 'announced' here in the doha the night before when the moon was sighted. as a result, eid does vary from country to country.
typically on the first day of eid, muslims wake up early to have a small breakfast before attending a special eid prayer at the mosque in their best dress (often new clothing). after the prayers of forgiveness, mercy and help for muslims across the world, they visit relatives, friends and acquaintances wishing them 'eid mubarak'.
however, before the eid prayer begins, every muslim who is able must pay zakat al-fitr...a charity to the poor. this equates to about 2 kg of basic foodstuff (wheat, barley, dates, raisins, etc.), or its cash equivalent. it is typically collected at the mosque and is distributed to needy local muslims prior to the start of the eid prayer. it can be given at any time during the month of Ramadan but is often given early so the recipient can use it for eid purchases and share in the joy of the celebration.
doha was a ghost town the first day of eid (yesterday) but things are starting to wake up and get back to 'normal'. we enjoyed a starbucks today - something mike hasn't done in quite a while due to ramadan.
typically on the first day of eid, muslims wake up early to have a small breakfast before attending a special eid prayer at the mosque in their best dress (often new clothing). after the prayers of forgiveness, mercy and help for muslims across the world, they visit relatives, friends and acquaintances wishing them 'eid mubarak'.
however, before the eid prayer begins, every muslim who is able must pay zakat al-fitr...a charity to the poor. this equates to about 2 kg of basic foodstuff (wheat, barley, dates, raisins, etc.), or its cash equivalent. it is typically collected at the mosque and is distributed to needy local muslims prior to the start of the eid prayer. it can be given at any time during the month of Ramadan but is often given early so the recipient can use it for eid purchases and share in the joy of the celebration.
doha was a ghost town the first day of eid (yesterday) but things are starting to wake up and get back to 'normal'. we enjoyed a starbucks today - something mike hasn't done in quite a while due to ramadan.
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