PRAYERS, FEAST AND MESSAGES

Thousands of Muslims attended the morning prayers at mosques in Abu Dhabi. Each space available in and around the mosques was occupied. And right after the prayers, the believers hugged each other with ‘Eid Mubarak’ wishes. There were smiles all around as it was time for fasting to give way to feasting.

For Emirati Amal Al Suwaidi, Eid brought out lot of cherished memories. “I have two sons and with them I recollect my childhood. Right from prayers, giving Eidiya, charity work, to family get together and going out — all of this is what makes the festival special.”

Al Suwaidi is off to Al Ain to be with the extended family.

Another Emirati, Rashed Al Jasmi felt a new found energy from fasting for all these days.

“By fasting, we purify our mind and body. I feel stronger as a person.”

On a lighter note, Al Jasmi said to be looking forward to the big feast in next few days.

“I will meet friends and family, and exchange gifts. This is part of our tradition. I know Eid holidays will have me eating too much of sweets.”

Sayed Hussain, an expat living in the Capital for more than 20 years, said each Eid is special.

“The Rulers of the country make it a point to make each occasion an extraordinary one. There were so many changes made to labour and visa rules. All of this will help more expats make this country their home. We couldn’t have asked for better Eid gifts. The Rulers have shown that we people matter.”

Another expat, Vineeth Shah, said the holy month of Ramadan and Eid festival had lot of messages and teaching which were useful to everyone.

“Irrespective of religion and caste or nationality, all mark Ramadan fasting, Iftar get together and Eid celebrations. This sense of oneness isn’t seen anywhere else. And Eid is a culmination of all things good about the UAE — tolerance, harmony, peace etc,” said Shah, who will spend holidays with his family at Yas Island facilities.