Amid the unprecedented circumstances brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, people in Qatar welcomed Eid al-Adha Friday in an atmosphere of joy and piety while observing the precautionary measures put in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Both citizens and expatriates expressed joy that the Eid al-Adha holidays coincide with the phased lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, which started on June 15 and has gradually been expanded to include the reopening of more mosques, public recreation facilities such as parks and beaches, malls, souqs and restaurants, resumption of a number of activities and the easing of rules on public gatherings.
Phase of the gradual lifting of restrictions started on July 28.
In particular, the faithful expressed joy at the reopening of mosques where they were able to perform the Eid prayer Friday. A total of 401 mosques and prayer yards were allocated by the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs for this purpose around the country. The mosques were selected in such a manner that people could head to the nearest place of worship to avoid any potential crowds.
The Eid prayer took place at 5.15am, during which proper physical distancing and other precautionary measures were followed around the country. The sermon was limited to 10 minutes.
As part of the measures, the doors of the designated mosques and prayer yards were opened to worshippers only 30 minutes before the start of the prayer and closed 10 minutes after its conclusion. Volunteers engaged in the proceedings stressed that the vast majority of people were highly co-operative and showed great commitment to abide by the preventive measures, which made their job hassle-free.
Meanwhile, most areas around the country experienced light and smooth traffic movement early in the morning and almost no complaints of crowds or delays were reported.
The hot and humid weather discouraged many from going outdoors during the daytime, as they preferred to spend the day at home exchanging messages online with - or calling - their family members, friends and acquaintances. This particularly applied to expatriates who were not able to travel to their home countries to celebrate the Eid holidays due to the current travel restrictions.
For others, the inability to spend the holidays outside the country provided a good opportunity to spend the maximum possible time with their families and share some quality moments.
"It is certainly an Eid with a difference, and we exercised due caution while celebrating the occasion," said an expatriate.
"This Eid is an opportunity to spend some quality moments with family members and mark the occasion with piety and joy while following the precautionary measures prescribed by the authorities," added an official.
Due to the lifting of many restrictions and reopening of shops, many families were able to buy new clothes, toys and other gifts for the loved ones - especially children.
It was generally observed that people were aware of the Covid-19 risks and paid heed to the advice of the health authorities on how to spend a safe Eid. Accordingly, visits by family and friends and Eid home receptions were fewer than normal and the usual practice of hugging and shaking hands was avoided to a great extent. The message was to keep a safe distance so that everyone - and the society - emerge safe from this pandemic.
In the evening, many people were seen visiting parks, Katara, Corniche and other places, while the necessary arrangements were also made at abattoirs to ensure that the proceedings there were carried out smoothly and safely.
Phase of the gradual lifting of restrictions started on July 28.
In particular, the faithful expressed joy at the reopening of mosques where they were able to perform the Eid prayer Friday. A total of 401 mosques and prayer yards were allocated by the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs for this purpose around the country. The mosques were selected in such a manner that people could head to the nearest place of worship to avoid any potential crowds.
The Eid prayer took place at 5.15am, during which proper physical distancing and other precautionary measures were followed around the country. The sermon was limited to 10 minutes.
As part of the measures, the doors of the designated mosques and prayer yards were opened to worshippers only 30 minutes before the start of the prayer and closed 10 minutes after its conclusion. Volunteers engaged in the proceedings stressed that the vast majority of people were highly co-operative and showed great commitment to abide by the preventive measures, which made their job hassle-free.
Meanwhile, most areas around the country experienced light and smooth traffic movement early in the morning and almost no complaints of crowds or delays were reported.
The hot and humid weather discouraged many from going outdoors during the daytime, as they preferred to spend the day at home exchanging messages online with - or calling - their family members, friends and acquaintances. This particularly applied to expatriates who were not able to travel to their home countries to celebrate the Eid holidays due to the current travel restrictions.
For others, the inability to spend the holidays outside the country provided a good opportunity to spend the maximum possible time with their families and share some quality moments.
"It is certainly an Eid with a difference, and we exercised due caution while celebrating the occasion," said an expatriate.
"This Eid is an opportunity to spend some quality moments with family members and mark the occasion with piety and joy while following the precautionary measures prescribed by the authorities," added an official.
Due to the lifting of many restrictions and reopening of shops, many families were able to buy new clothes, toys and other gifts for the loved ones - especially children.
It was generally observed that people were aware of the Covid-19 risks and paid heed to the advice of the health authorities on how to spend a safe Eid. Accordingly, visits by family and friends and Eid home receptions were fewer than normal and the usual practice of hugging and shaking hands was avoided to a great extent. The message was to keep a safe distance so that everyone - and the society - emerge safe from this pandemic.
In the evening, many people were seen visiting parks, Katara, Corniche and other places, while the necessary arrangements were also made at abattoirs to ensure that the proceedings there were carried out smoothly and safely.
