Eid al-Fitr in Qatar is a tapestry of joy and spirituality that brings together generations of all ages, blending religious values with deep-rooted customs and cherished traditions.
As soon as the crescent moon of Shawwal is sighted, marking the beginning of Eid, Muslims in Qatar begin exchanging greetings through phone calls and text messages, as well as via modern apps and social media platforms to share the festive joy with family and friends.
With warm phrases like Asakom min Awadah and Kul 'am wa antum bikhayr, and Eid Mubarak, Qataris express their Eid wishes, hoping for happiness, blessings, and that God accepts the good deeds performed during the month of fasting, prayer, and Qur’an.
Traditional chants and songs play a significant role in expressing the emotions and sentiments of the community during happy occasions, especially Eid.
Songs like Ya'Alaydo and other heritage melodies have been passed down through generations and reflect the joyful spirit of Eid.
On the morning of Eid, Muslims in Qatar wake up early to shower, apply perfume, and dress in their finest clothes in preparation for the Eid prayer.
They head to prayer grounds, proclaiming *takbeer and filled with joy for the blessings and grace they have received.
Doha’s streets fill with worshippers on this special morning as they head to prayer, eager to listen to the Eid sermon.
After the prayer, Qataris begin visiting family majlis gatherings, where children and grandchildren visit the elder of the family.
Children receive "Eidiyah", a monetary gift from relatives, bringing them happiness and allowing them to buy toys or go shopping.
Children roam the neighbourhood (the fareej), greeting neighbours and collecting Eidiyah while singing traditional songs and chants as they knock on doors.
Guests are offered incense before leaving as part of the farewell gesture, with oud (agarwood) presented after they have enjoyed traditional sweets and Arabic coffee.
A well-known Qatari proverb goes Ma aqb al-oud qoud, meaning once the oud is offered, it's a sign the visit is over.
Qataris also mark the occasion with a large feast, known as "Al Dhabihah", to which family and friends are invited.
This feast is typically held at the family’s main home, where the grandparents reside and where everyone gathers to receive well-wishers.
Preparations for Eid celebrations begin in the final days of Ramadan, with markets bustling with families shopping for new clothes and gifts.
Shops in Doha stay open late into the night, and the markets, especially Souq Waqif, see a surge in shoppers thanks to the wide variety of goods available to meet the needs of households.
In Qatar, men prepare for Eid well in advance by visiting tailor shops to have their Eid thobes custom-made.
During the last days of Ramadan, they shop for accessories like the ghatra (headscarf) and agal (headband).
Some also prefer to wear the bisht, a traditional cloak worn over the thobe for special occasions.
Similarly, women ensure they buy new clothes for themselves and their children, ranging from modern outfits and embroidered jalabiyas to dresses for little girls.
Sweets hold a special place during Eid.
In Qatar, the treats offered to guests on Eid are called "Al Fala" and include traditional desserts along with popular Middle Eastern sweets like kunafa and basbousa, as well as a variety of fresh fruits.
Another essential item that Qataris prioritise before Eid is oud and bakhoor, both of which are hallmarks of hospitality in Gulf homes.
Oud is placed on hot coals in a burner, releasing its fragrant scent, and guests are perfumed with it during Eid visits, as the aroma lingers on clothes and ghatra for a long time.
A common tradition during Eid in Qatar is leaving the main doors of homes open, symbolising presence and a warm welcome to visitors.
House-to-house visits continue throughout the morning until the Dhuhr (midday) prayer, after which many families and relatives gather for lunch together.
In recent years, Eid celebrations have come to include heritage activities held across different areas, offering visitors a glimpse into the old Qatari way of life.
These events showcase traditional crafts like blacksmithing, carpentry, perfumery, and the daily lifestyle of past generations.
Folk performances and traditional Qatari dances are also featured.
Throughout Eid, entertainment events cater to all age groups, such as traditional performances and fireworks displays that light up Dohas skies.
Various organisations, especially Qatar Tourism, prepare a rich schedule of activities during Eid al-Fitr in open spaces like the Corniche, public parks, Lusail Boulevard, Msheireb, Old Doha Port, and other areas, alongside indoor festivities in shopping malls.
With the arrival of Eid, exchange companies see a significant uptick in business, as citizens and residents flock to buy foreign currencies for travel or send money back home to support loved ones with holiday expenses.
The high demand prompts money exchange services to operate at full capacity and extend working hours to serve their customers.
Eid in Qatar, with its array of celebrations, becomes a unifying national event for everyone living in the country, including non-Muslims.
The joyful spirit of Eid can be felt everywhere in parks, malls, and media turning the entire nation into one large, inclusive festive space for both citizens and residents alike.
