Ramadan is coming to a close, and it will soon be Eid Ul Fitr - the festival of breaking the fast.
A local astronomer has predicted that Eid Ul Fitr this year will fall on the 13th November. It can be difficult to predict the holiday exactly, as the date depends on the moon - the new moon has to be sighted before the season of fasting can finish and the festival of feasting can begin.
Before Eid Ul Fitr does begin, all Muslims must pay zakat, or alms. This consists of two parts: the head of the family should contribute enough to feed one person for every person in his family, and also 2.5% of his total wealth. The first zakat should be paid directly to the mosque, who will redistribute, whereas the second zakat can be donated directly to the poor.
On Eid Ul Fitr, most Muslims will arise very early in the morning and have a small amount to eat, before attending a special prayer. While this may be held in a mosque, it is often also held outside. In Qatar prayers are sometimes held at embassies.
After that, it is customary to spend the day visiting relatives - and eating! New clothes are bought prior to Eid and all will dress up, while small children are often given presents.
Eid Ul Fitr should normally be a time of joy. However, for many Muslim expatriates in Qatar it is a time when they miss the families, friends and relatives back home.
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