Yes! Tomorrow, Friday - 26th of October, would be
the start of another vital Muslim holiday. This is because of the annual
celebration of Eid Al Adha or literally called the “Feast of
Sacrifice.” But for many expatriates including me, this is just a good
break from our work.
Being here for almost 20 months, I am already pretty aware
about the National Holidays of Muslim countries particularly in State of Qatar.
The first major public holiday is the Eid Al Fitr (3 days) which marked the end
of Ramadan and the other one, which is usually celebrated 70 days afterwards, is
the Eid Al Adha (4 days). Literally, also called as “Feast of Sacrifice” or Eid
Al Adha commemorates the act of Abraham to willingly sacrifice his first son
(Ishmael) to God but at the end God interfered and instead a sheep was offered
as a sacrifice. Thus in present days, all financially-able Muslims shall
sacrifice an animal. This is widely practiced here in Qatar.
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| the familiar crossed-swords entering old Doha Souq (Market) |
Since the Muslim is on religious holiday, Filipino Christians
really looked forward for this long break. Some of them goes for swimming or does
sand dunes, some dines out and does shopping, some visits their relative and
friends, and some just stay from and home and take rest. And me? Maybe I would
just visit and go along with my friends whatever their plan is.
Again to our brother Muslims around the world - Eid Mubarak!! May Allah accept all your good deeds..
