Latest news with #EidMusallah
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Revealed: Where to watch Eid Al Adha cannons in Dubai- full list of locations
Photo: AFP file The traditional Eid Al Adha cannon salute is returning this year to Dubai, with six designated locations across the emirate confirmed by Dubai Police. The ceremonial cannon fire, a practice deeply embedded in UAE heritage, will take place immediately after the Eid prayer, scheduled for 5:45am. Cannon fire has been part of Emirati culture for decades, historically used to announce significant moments during religious holidays. During Ramadan, it's used to signal iftar; during Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, it announces the start of the holiday. According to Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Tarish Al Amimi, Commander of the Dubai Police Cannons Unit, the Eid cannon is 'a symbolic gesture deeply rooted in the memory and consciousness of the community,' and part of the country's efforts to preserve its cultural identity. If you'd like to witness the cannon fire in person, Dubai Police have confirmed these six sites: Za'abeel Grand Mosque, Za'abeel Eid Musallah, Umm Suqeim Eid Musallah, Nad Al Hamar Eid Musallah, Al Barsha Eid Musallah, Al Baraha Eid Musallah, Hatta The cannons are typically fired right after the Eid prayer, so early arrival is recommended if you're attending in person. Dubai Police have completed logistical and safety preparations to ensure the event runs smoothly. Officers will be stationed at each site to manage traffic, crowd movement, and overall safety. Families attending are encouraged to follow on-site instructions and arrive early to avoid congestion. In addition to the cannon events, authorities are ramping up citywide public safety efforts for the Eid Al Adha holiday period. The police have warned motorists against speeding, reckless driving, and traffic violations during the break.
Khaleej Times
30-03-2025
- Khaleej Times
From prayers to feasts: UAE families mark Eid Al Fitr with heartwarming traditions, reunions
Families across the UAE are coming together to celebrate Eid Al Fitr this Sunday, marking a time of joyous reunions and heartfelt traditions. Muslims gathered for special prayers this morning to kick off the festivities, with many then visiting friends and relatives to spend some quality time. For many residents, these gatherings are more than just a reunion — they also involve indulging in traditional dishes, sweets, and festive treats that add to the joyous atmosphere. 'Sense of togetherness' Basit Bafakki, a Dubai resident, began his Eid by offering prayers at the Eid Musallah in Al Nahda, joined by his brothers, friends, and relatives. Surrounded by hundreds of worshippers under the vast open sky, he described the experience as one of unity and gratitude. 'There's something truly special about praying in such a large congregation. The air is filled with peace, joy, and an overwhelming sense of togetherness that makes Eid even more meaningful,' he shared. Basit plans to continue the celebration with a family feast and by giving Eidiya (Eid money) to the younger members of his family. Later, he looks forward to spending time with friends in a relaxed setting, ensuring the festivities continue in the cherished company of loved ones. Spending time with family For Shukri Deria, a Somali-origin American expat in the UAE, the morning began with Eid prayers and new clothes, followed by family time. 'We began the morning with our Eid prayers and wore new clothes. The first day of Eid is primarily for family, a time for close celebrations. We keep it more intimate on day one," she shared. She said that the second day of the festivities is for friends, and the third day is reserved for the annual Somali kids Eid party. Maryam, a Russian expat, also embraced the day with prayers alongside her husband and children. For her, Eid is more than just tradition — it's about creating cherished memories. 'There's something magical about Eid morning. The peace, joy, and togetherness make it truly special,' she said. Following the prayers, Maryam plans to visit close friends who have become like family in Dubai. She looks forward to sharing traditional Eid sweets, exchanging gifts, and enjoying heartfelt conversations. 'Being away from home isn't always easy, but celebrating Eid with friends who feel like family makes it just as meaningful,' she added. Unique tradition Tariq Anwer, an Indian expat who has lived in Dubai for over 25 years, shared his tradition of attending Eid prayers at the Pakistan Education Academy in Oud Metha. 'I usually go here every year. The atmosphere was so serene and peaceful today as we prayed under the sky, with the weather also being quite good. We then bumped into old friends who had come to the prayer ground as well," he shared. His 17-year-old daughter, Tasmiyah, is looking forward to a festive day. "We went for lunch at a relative's house, then we will be gathering with relatives for dinner in Sharjah. The traditional cuisines include Biryani, Kebabs, Sheer Qorma, and Sevai. I am looking forward to a fun-filled day.' Abdul Qadir, a sales manager, also embraced the spirit of Eid by exchanging warm greetings with friends and visiting some relatives with his family. 'Eid is all about reconnecting with family. There's so much joy in visiting loved ones, sharing laughter, and reminiscing about old times,' he said. For lunch, Abdul joined his brother's household, where the entire family gathered for a festive feast. 'Sharing a meal on Eid feels special. These are the moments that truly matter,' he added. In the evening, he plans to host guests at his home for dinner. 'Eid isn't complete without a house full of loved ones. The best part is seeing everyone together, sharing happiness, and creating new memories,' he added. Festive delicacies and Eidiya For Sadia Anwar, one of the highlights of Eid is the community prayers. This year, for the fourth consecutive time, she attended prayers at the New Generation School with family and friends. 'It's a lovely community event that brings people from all walks of life together. The kids rush to line up for ice cream after the khutbah (speech), and it really feels like a village celebration,' she said. Sadia also appreciated how the event reflects the unique spirit of the UAE — the place she has called home for over 40 years. 'It's different from my home country because you see so many nationalities and traditional outfits. Elders hand out Eidiya, and children share chocolates with others. It's a beautiful communal feeling,' she reflected.
Khaleej Times
29-03-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Why thousands of residents opt for open-air prayers grounds during first day of Eid
As the sun rises on the morning of Eid, which will fall either on Sunday or Monday depending on the moon sighting, thousands of worshippers across the UAE will gather at expansive open-air prayer grounds, known as Eid Musallahs. Eid Musallahs, derived from the Arabic term for 'prayer space,' have been a cornerstone of Islamic tradition for centuries. This practice, rooted in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who encouraged communal prayers in open spaces to strengthen unity among Muslims, according to scholars. Although air-conditioned, modern mosques offer comfort, these outdoor prayer spaces continue to hold a unique significance for the faithful. 'Eid Musallahs serve as a reminder of the early days of Islam when believers would gather in large numbers under the sky to offer their prayers,' said Dr Abdul Hameed Zafar, an imam at a mosque in Dragon Mart. 'It fosters a sense of togetherness and highlights the communal spirit of Eid,' he added. Dr Zafar also explained how, in the past, entire towns would gather in one place for Eid prayers. 'But as cities expanded and populations grew, space became a challenge. Today, while many still choose the traditional Musallahs, others pray in mosques, ensuring that everyone has a place to offer their Eid prayers,' he said. Where are the main Eid Musallahs? Several major Eid Musallahs across the UAE draw large crowds during both Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. These prayer grounds are often the centre of large congregations, welcoming worshippers for communal prayer on Eid mornings: Dubai: Umm Suqeim, Nad Al Hamar, and Al Mankhool Musallahs Abu Dhabi: Open prayer area at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and in Al Meryal Sharjah: Al Bustan and Al Gharb Musallahs Other emirates: Smaller Musallahs are scattered across the country. 'A special place in our hearts' Despite the availability of state-of-the-art mosques, many residents still prefer to pray at Eid Musallahs, with tradition being the primary reason. 'Eid Musallahs hold a special place in our hearts because they bring back childhood memories — walking hand in hand with my father, seeing the entire community gathered, and feeling the spirit of Eid,' said Dubai resident Mohammad Shaqlan. 'It's the one time these vast prayer grounds come to life. No matter how hot or humid it is, we go there because it connects us to our faith and to each other,' he added. For Egyptian expat Saeed El Gani, the experience of praying with his two sons and family members at the Eid Musallah in Deira is deeply meaningful. 'Praying under the open sky with thousands of fellow worshippers is an experience that words cannot fully capture. It reminds us of humility and how we are all equal before God, standing shoulder to shoulder in prayer,' said El Gani. 'In the prayer ground, the air is filled with the joy of Eid. Children wait for this moment because it's the only time they get to pray at the Eid Musallah. For me, these prayer grounds are where my heart feels at peace on Eid morning,' he added.
