All photos by Chantelle D’mello
Thousands of people gathered at the Imam Muhammad Abdul Wahhab Mosque early this morning to usher in this year’s Eid al-Fitr, and celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Traffic was heavy as congregants tried to make their way to the mosque several minutes before prayer began at 5:08 am, clogging up the main Al Istiqlal Street and several side roads.
With the mosque’s car park filled to capacity, many attendees left their vehicles parked in the middle of the road, on pavements and on the main road across the mosque in an attempt to make it to services on time.
Some devotees, unable to reach the mosque, could be seen praying by the sides of roads.
While some crowds left swiftly after the prayers were over, hundreds remained in the mosque’s large courtyard, meeting up with friends, greeting family and taking selfies with loved ones.
Some handed out candy and chocolate to children, and most were dressed in colorful and richly embroidered kaftans and dresses.
Car on fire
However, the festivities came to an abrupt, fiery end after an SUV burst into flames shortly after the Eid sermon, causing thick plumes of smoke to rise up in the air.
Onlookers rushed to the scene, an open-air ground adjacent to the Qatar Sports Club, where police tried to ward off the growing crowd.
Firefighters extinguished the burning car, which appeared to be empty.
https://twitter.com/AbdurahmanAM/status/621878172917698560
A family of around five with a baby could be seen talking to Civil Defence officers near the charred car some 30 minutes later.
It unclear what caused the fire, though some theorized the vehicle had been left running during Eid prayers and overheated.
Fires in summer here are common, and there has been a spate of them in buildings around the country this month, including at the Mall of Asia and Lusail City.
Because today is Friday, many Muslims will return to the mosques for weekly services. Qatar residents will also spend the day visiting loved ones.
Those looking for more to do can check out our comprehensive guide of activities around town here.
How did you spend Eid morning? Thoughts?
