How Muslims celebrated Eid al-Fitr globally
Muslims around the world gathered to celebrate one of their biggest events in the Islamic Calendar, Eid al-Fitr.
The feast, which is celebrated to break the Ramadhan fast, which lasts for a month.
The day starts with prayers, and a big meal is usually the main event, but there are lots of other ways people celebrate, too.
The celebration is a time for gratitude, unity, and generosity as it marks the spiritual renewal after a month of fasting and reminds Muslims of the values of patience, empathy, and self-discipline.
This year’s Ramadhan began on the 28th of last month and continued until last Saturday.
The exact date for Eid al-Fitr may vary among countries and Muslim communities.
Islam follows a lunar calendar, and so Ramadan and Eid cycle through the seasons.
During the fasting period, Muslims around the world fast, pray, and reflect on their religious obligations to themselves and their communities.
For Muslims in Gaza, this year’s Eid marked the second one since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.
The war, which had been halted, resumed, changing the fortunes of Palestinians in Gaza who had begun to observe Ramadan.
Syrians in the Middle East celebrated their first Eid al-Fitr since the end of more than half a century of the Assad family’s iron-fisted rule.
The country’s first Ramadan since the ouster of Bashar Assad, who was the president, saw many Syrians relieved, but has also witnessed a bloody and worrisome bout of violence amid a complex transition.
In Kenya, Muslim worshippers in Nairobi filled the Sir Ali Masjid grounds and Jamia Mosque, embracing the spirit of gratitude and renewal that comes with the conclusion of the fasting month.
Led by the Kamukunji Member of parliament Yusuf Hassan and Somalia Ambassador to Kenya Jabril Ibrahim and the Inspector General of Police, congregants at the Business Bay Square (BBS) Mall underscored the significance of togetherness during the celebration.
“Eid is a time for reflection and unity, a reminder of our shared humanity and the importance of peace and harmony in our society,” the MP stated.
In Mombasa, crowds gathered at the Tononoka grounds led by mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho who was joined by his counterpart from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who doubles as the Prime cabinet Musalia Mudavadi.
Some of the traditions associated with Eid celebrations in Malaysia are the homecoming tradition where the first day begins with prayers in the mosque and seeking forgiveness from the family and friends.
Older Muslims give money in green packets to children and guests who visit their homes.
In In Egypt, families partake in Eid prayers amid a festive atmosphere.
Many visit relatives, friends or neighbors and some travel to vacation spots while making or buying Eid cookies dusted with powdered sugar is another fixture of marking the holiday in the country.
