Muscat – Eid al Fitr was an ‘exceptional’ event for the Muslim world in general and Oman in particular, following two consecutive years of restrictions on account of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide.

It was a joyous affair as all prayer areas and mosques opened doors. On the first day of Eid al Fitr, citizens and residents in all governorates performed rituals, including slaughtering animals.

On the day of Eid, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik offered prayers at Al Zulfa Mosque in Seeb. The prayers were led by Sheikh Abdullah Mohammed al Salmi, Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, who delivered the Eid sermon, which touched on the benefits of fasting and doing good deeds.

Sheikh Salmi said that Muslims have a deep-rooted heritage and civilisation. In today’s world, Muslims need to direct their attention to the formation of a global vision that is accepted by the global community, so that they can contribute to building a renewed future by forging beneficial partnerships, adhering to Islamic virtues and shaping a peaceful world based on mercy, justice and equality.

The first day of Eid usually begins with the aarsiya meal. Some people offer al migla’ai – also called al mihmas – an Omani dish prepared with liver, meat and flavoured spices. Omani halwa is served to guests in every house during Eid.

On the first day of Eid, children are given Eidiya (money) which cements the concept of Sadaqa/giving alms in their hearts and minds. On the morning of the second day of Eid, families gather to prepare a special meal of barbecue (mishkak) – meat kept in a tannour/oven, placed in a 3-4m deep hole made in the earth and taken out on the third day of Eid. This meat is shared with neighbours and relatives.

Muhammad al Khaldi, a retired private sector employee, was on top of the world as he returned from his home town Jarda. “I can’t express how happy I am to be able to see my family all at once after such a long time following the government’s decision to lift COVID-19 related restrictions. Compared to the previous four Eids, this one was exceptional. We celebrated the way we used to before pandemic, including offering Eid prayers in big numbers,” he said.

Echoing similar views, Abdul Aziz al Zadjali, a Muscat-based government employee, said, “The hard times seem to be over, at least for now. The traditional way of celebrating big festivals in the country is back. This was evident when I saw how people celebrated this time. No one looked much worried about the health issues that have arisen as a result of COVID-19. People enjoyed to the fullest.”

Meanwhile, Muscat Municipality organised entertainment activities at Amerat Public Park, including horse riding fir children, electronic games and live cartoon characters which continued until Saturday.