Local officials asked the public to avoid celebrating Haq Al Laila this year, because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Safety regulations were issued this month to prevent gatherings, and the spread of the virus, during Ramadan. But with the holy month approaching, another event typically celebrated in the Gulf is nearing. Haq Al Laila – also known as gerga'an – is an annual celebration where children go door to door singing for sweets from their family, friends and neighbours. It is celebrated in the middle of the Islamic month of Sha'ban, the month that precedes Ramadan. On Thursday, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority called on the public to forgo celebrations this year as a matter of safety and social responsibility – unless it was celebrated within a single household. "As mid-Sha'ban approaches, we advise community members not to hold gatherings to celebrate Haq Al Layla. Public health is a priority and a social responsibility, community solidarity is an indispensable necessity, and observance of instructions is a national duty that guarantees safety and leads to recovery," the authority said on Twitter. The authority said family members living in a single household could celebrate together but could not gather with anyone from another home. It urged vulnerable groups, such as the elderly or people with a chronic disease or disability to avoid gatherings of all kinds. "If around this category of people, please wear face masks and maintain physical distance," the authority said. Last year, the authority gave the same advice with Dr Farida Al Hosani, spokeswoman for the health sector, saying: "Having our children go out and to other people’s homes and share food is not safe right now. "For the safety of everyone, we should avoid exchanging gifts and sweets with neighbours and members of the public, sterilise gifts before giving them away, and avoid going out to collect gifts and sweets and do not receiving someone asking for sweets," Dr Al Hosani said.
