ALKHOBAR: Saudi families continue to observe the long-standing Eid tradition of “early hour,” which takes place between the Fajr prayer and the start of Eid prayers.
The period is marked by quiet family gatherings, as relatives exchange greetings and prepare for the day. New clothes are worn, and households begin receiving close family members before heading to prayer.
Food remains central to the tradition. In many homes, a morning spread is prepared, featuring dishes such as qursan and areeka alongside coffee.
“Right after prayer, we prepare breakfast. We make a cheese platter and also cook salat, which is small pieces of lamb cooked with finely chopped onions, cardamom, salt and black pepper,” Leen Al-Sharif from Makkah told Arab News. “This dish is well known in the Hijaz, especially during Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha.”
According to the King Abdulaziz Public Library, some regions maintain the practice of each household preparing a specific dish to share after Eid prayer. Neighbors gather in designated areas where meals are shared.
