Prayers mark start of Eid festivities across the UAE
IMAMS SPEAK OF SACRIFICE AND PEACE AS THOUSANDS BRAVE HEAT TO VISIT MOSQUES AND MUSALLAHS TO CELEBRATE AS A COMMUNITY
Afestive mood swept across the UAE yesterday as people all over the country observed Eid Al Adha with prayers, celebrations and family gatherings.
The first day of the festival of sacrifice began with traditional prayers, as thousands of believers thronged Eid musallahs (prayer grounds) and mosques at sunrise, marking the beginning of the four-day festival.
Thousands braved the hot weather to pray under the morning sun. Both the musallahs and mosques were packed. Dressed in their best attire, men and women — along with their children — were seen greeting fellow worshippers, relatives and friends with a customary hug and handshake.
Eid Al Adha is the second among the two major Islamic celebrations that marks the completion of the annual Haj, while also commemorating Prophet Ebrahim’s willingness to follow Allah’s command in offering his son Esmail for sacrifice. In the sermons following Eid prayers, Imams across the mosques and musallahs addressed the devotees on the significance of sacrifice for a good cause, while also praying for peace in the region.
Over the next four days, thousands of animals will be sacrificed, as believers emulate the Prophet Ebrahim’s gesture of faith and Esmail’s stoic acceptance.
In Dubai, long lines of vehicles heading to the central abattoir in Al Ghusais could be seen immediately after the prayers, as people queued up with their sacrificial animals.
Long vehicle queues were also seen outside several parks, as people spent time outdoors with families and friends despite the summer heat; however, most of the parks filled up towards the latter part of the day, when the sun was more merciful.
With the weather not being so conducive for outdoor activities, most people stayed indoors, spending precious time with their families or visiting relatives. Many also headed to the malls and souqs.
With four days of holidays this Eid, many families and groups of friends headed for short trips to nearby destinations like Salalah or Musandam in Oman.
Mountain destinations within the UAE, like Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah and Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain, offering relatively cooler climes, are also on the Eid revellers’ itineraries.
Even as residents marked their Eid, thousands of visitors — particularly from the neighbouring Gulf countries — have also landed in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, enjoying the myriad festivities on offer in the UAE.
On the eve of Eid, bazaars, supermarkets, malls and souqs were buzzing with life as residents hurried for last minute shopping. Confectioners, bakers and sweet shops worked overtime to make Eid that much more sweeter for people, as no festivities are complete without the sweet treats.