Eid celebrated with hope for end to pandemic

Muslims in Qatar and many parts of the world celebrated Eid Al Adha yesterday. Still under the shadow of the pandemic, vaccinated and healthy worshippers were allowed to gather for prayers in mosques and several designated public spaces with strict social distancing and no physical contact. Eid Al Adha, or the “Feast of Sacrifice,” is usually marked with communal prayers, large social gatherings, slaughtering livestock, and giving to the needy. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (peace be upon him) devotion to Almighty Allah and his readiness to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail (PBUH). In the spirit of the celebrations, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, tweeted Eid greetings wishing Qatar a blessed event. The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs had announced 900 prayer places and mosques where people could pray. With the country also in the third phase of lifting COVID-19 restrictions and days away from the fourth and final phase (July 30), citizens and residents are delighted to enjoy much better Eid celebrations than a muted event last year. 

“It is a great privilege to be able to perform Eid Al Adha prayers in the mosque with Muslim faithful,” said Mohammed, a Doha resident. “Last year, with the pandemic at its peak and confusion about the virus, we all had to stay home and pray. It was a different experience for everybody. But with the vaccines and Qatar’s vaccination drive, we can now perform these prayers in mosques and with people.” Besides, several malls, recreation facilities, staycation, and tourism promoters can now receive families, including fully vaccinated parents, and strict adherence to preventive measures. “Being able to take the kids out today to celebrate Eid is a fulfilling experience. We usually take these gatherings for granted, but the pandemic has probably taught us to cherish moments with family,” said a parent Hassan Abdullahi. “The kids have been hit by the lockdown, having to adjust to the online learning, the hybrid learning, and now they are on break. So, as vaccinations go on and God willing the pandemic ends, we hope to return to life as before.  Some people haven’t seen their families, parents, and friends since the pandemic started, so, this Eid, we pray for an end to the pandemic.” Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Health and Ministry of Interior has urged citizens to responsibly celebrate Eid and ensure they observe the safety measures in slaughtering sacrificial animals, food consumption, and other activities.