Muslims urged to look for new moon in Qatar on Monday evening

A committee will meet on Monday after sunset to look for the crescent moon, the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) has announced.

Muslims are encouraged to visit the ministry’s offices in West Bay to give testimony if they see the crescent.

The new moon signifies the beginning of the Islamic month of Shawaal, the first day of Eid and thus the end of Ramadan.

If it is not spotted on Monday evening, then Tuesday will be a fasting day, and Eid Al Fitr will be on Wednesday, July 6, QNA stated.

An announcement about which day Eid will start will be made after sunset on Monday.

Preparations

Supermarkets, tailors and malls have been overloaded with shoppers this weekend in the run-up to Eid, as people rush to buy new outfits, gifts and food for parties.

To that effect, Hamad Medical Corp. is urging residents not to overeat during the holiday.

In a statement this week, Dr. Saad Al Nuaimi, senior consultant of Emergency Medicine, said:

“The body becomes accustomed to a prolonged period of fasting during Ramadan and the transition from ‘fast’ to ‘feast’ can have adverse effects on one’s health.”

He added:

“Unfortunately, many people tend to overload their stomach with unhealthy food and soft drinks during Eid celebrations. As a result, we often notice (a) rise in number of patients seeking emergency treatment for gastric issues such as nausea, vomiting, stomach upset and indigestion at Hamad General Hospital’s Emergency Department.”

To stay out of the ER this Eid, Al Nuaimi advised eating healthy foods, not skipping breakfast and not over-doing it with soda.

Thoughts?