Wednesday, Jan 11, 2006

By Nissar Hoath, Staff Reporter

Abu Dhabi: People across the country yesterday welcomed the first day of Eid Al Adha with simplicity and sacrifice.

The day began with Eid congregations in the morning, followed by special prayers for regional and international peace as well as for prosperity for all.

Residents observed the day with solemnity and restraint as a mark of respect for Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Thousands of Muslims from all walks of life and different nationalities attended mosques and Eid prayer grounds in the country.

In Abu Dhabi, due to the death of Shaikh Maktoum, diplomatic missions and social organisations cancelled all parties. Usual Eid scenes of folklore dances, songs and other traditional enactments were missing in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

"Being in the mourning period, we have decided to observe this Eid with simplicity," Gul Hameed Khan, of Abu Dhabi, said.

Many opted to spend the afternoon in the eastern region, especially Al Ain and the nearby oasis, and the Hajar Mountains in Hatta and the east coast of the country.

Parks were crowded and roadside cafes and restaurants near main streets were flooded with labourers greeting each other in the afternoon.

It's field day for children

Groups of children went around residential areas, petrol stations and shops asking for money or "eidi" yesterday.

Amal, 12, standing outside a petrol station in Jumeirah yesterday morning with her younger sister, said she will come back today to wish motorists a happy new year. "For Eid, I received Dh100, Dh10 or Dh5 notes from people. I will give the money to my mother," she said. Knocking on people's doors and asking for money "is not an act of begging", a lawyer clarified. "This is a UAE tradition that our children follow during Eid Al Adha and Eid Al Fitr every year," explained a UAE national lawyer, Mukhtar Mohammad Gareeb, of Al Gareeb Associates.

At residential areas in Satwa, national children hurry towards cars spreading out palms asking for money. "It's Eid, give me money," they say. People usually give the children money, food, clothes or sweets, Gareeb said.

He, however, added that children who stand in front of mosques or in public places and ask for money are "condemned by the law as they are considered beggars".

- Emmanuelle Landais and Bassam Za'za', Staff reporters

Gulf News 2006. All rights reserved.