Muslims of various nationalities in the KIngdom have expressed happiness at having celebrated Eid which has become an integral part of life in the Kingdom with many saying that they experienced a sense of self-fulfillment.

“It is an excellent opportunity for bonding with the family on the one hand, and strengthening relationships with relatives and kin on the other,” said Ahmed A. Mufarreh, Saudi general manager of a local firm.

He added that as he was busy with work most of the year, he was unable to spend enough time with the family and made up for it in the Eid holidays.

“After breakfast, my wife and I dressed the children in their new clothes and visited our relatives including their grandparents. The children’s enjoyment was doubled with the excitement at receiving gifts from their grandparents,” he said.

“It’s a tradition and even as a small boy, I looked forward to Eid so I know how children feel about it. We used to celebrate the occasion as one big, happy family with lunch from 2 to 4 p.m. enjoying every single minute,” he said happily.

He said that after the celebrations, he took the children to the amusement parks and arcades and seeing the joy on their faces made him feel that he had made up for his lack of attention during the rest of the year.

Syed Iqbal, a Pakistani who works for a local publishing firm echoed Mufarreh saying that he felt guilty at not being able to devote enough time to his family or take them out even on weekends.

“After a visit to the relatives, my wife suggested that we watch a cultural show which was a great source of entertainment for all,” he said.

He said that following the Eid breakfast where they shared some precious family time together, he felt that he had truly given his family what they deserved.

Abdurraheem Ali, A Sudanese, said that as part of the celebration he and a friend Marzob Sulaiman and his children, went to watch the fireworks display at the Malaz Stadium. The fireworks display were also held in six other locations in the capital.

“My family and I observed the tradition of Eid celebrations with my wife buying new clothes for the kids, preparing food, candies and sweets. In the morning we prayed at the mosque and ate breakfast afterwards. We also visited our relatives,” he said.

Meanwhile, non-Muslim expats expressed appreciation at the zeal with which Muslims observed the Eid holidays.

“The occasion was festive but with religiousity and fervor. The festive atmosphere gave a deeper meaning to the observance of the annual tradition,” said Jannette A. Asi, a Filipino school teacher.

She added that she will certainly miss Eid celebrations when she leaves the Kingdom for good.