Eid Mubarak!

Eid Al Fitr is upon us as it marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan; the month of fasting, prayer and meditation.

Now Muslims everywhere will enjoy a long-awaited holiday. People who can afford it will probably travel to neighbouring countries and beyond to spend their holidays.

Tourist agencies have been busy marketing certain destinations at affordable prices. Luckily, many close by countries have very attractive touristic sites. Turkey appears to be on the top of the list of the most attractive holiday destinations. Yet, the market for holiday sites elsewhere is consumer-friendly, as numerous other destinations offer similar opportunities for spending the eid as well at affordable rates.

Most people, however, will opt to stay in the country and spend their holidays at national parks, Aqaba’s shorelines or even the Dead Sea among friends and family members. Spending the holiday in Jordan has an added advantage, as people have an opportunity to strengthen bonds with family members by visiting them.

Hopefully though, people will not forget the needy, or the sick and the very poor. The holiday is called the happy holiday because it is an occasion to fulfil one's religious obligations and not because it is a time to spend lavishly on food, clothing or visits to local or far away touristic attractions.

Fortunately, the heatwave has subsided a bit, making it possible for people to enjoy the holiday more comfortably among relatives or friends.

At the end of the day, the eid is an occasion to count our blessings and thank God for the safe and stable environment that we all live in. Most countries in the region do not enjoy the security and stability that we all now take for granted. Despite the many conflicts that surround us, Jordan managed to stay calm, secure and stable; no doubt due to the wise leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah.

Poverty pockets, unemployment, underemployment and low wages, however, still exist. Unfortunately, the number of people who continue to suffer economically is on the increase rather than on the decrease despite the efforts to combat poverty and the high cost of living.

Yet, when all is considered and counted, the greater majority of Jordanians have a good reason to enjoy the eid and count their blessings. So we seize upon this occasion to wish all our fellow citizens truly enjoyable holidays.