Muslims around the world shop for new clothes and buy delicacies for Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the Islamic fasting month (Robin Utrecht/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
Muslims around the world are bidding farewell to the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and will soon start celebrating the holiday of Eid al-Fitr.
Eid is typically greeted with joy and excitement and is marked with congregational prayers and festivities that usually include family visits, gatherings, outings and new clothes.
For many Muslims across the Arab world, this year’s Eid comes amid challenges and significant changes.
It’s the second Eid in Gaza where a resumption of Israeli strikes this month has so far killed over 900 people, and the first Eid in Syria without the Assad regime which collapsed in December in a lightning rebel offensive.
Other countries like Sudan continue to reel under conflict, with Yemen witnessing intense US airstrikes.
In the United States, several student have been detained in the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigrants and pro-Palestinian protesters.
What is Eid al-Fitr?
It’s an Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan, a month when Muslims fast daily from dawn to sunset. Ramadan is a time for increased worship, charity, and self-reflection. It also typically sees festive gatherings to break the fast.
Eid al-Fitr is Arabic for ‘festival of breaking the fast’, and some common greetings are Eid Mubarak, Blessed Eid, or Happy Eid.
When is Eid al Fitr?
Islam follows a lunar calendar, meaning Ramadan and Eid cycle through the seasons. This year, Eid al-Fitr is expected to commence on Sunday 30 March.
The exact date may vary among countries depending on the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the start of a new lunar month.
How do some countries celebrate Eid al-Fitr?
In Indonesia, people visit their hometowns to celebrate the holiday with loved ones in a homecoming tradition locally known as “mudik”.
Before the holiday, popular markets teem with shoppers buying new clothes and sweets.
In Malaysia, Muslims also have a homecoming tradition for the festivity. The first day usually begins with morning prayers at the mosque, seeking forgiveness from family and friends, and visiting loved ones’ graves.
There’s an “open house” spirit that sees friends and families trading visits to celebrate Eid and enjoy traditional delicacies such as ketupat, rice cooked in a palm leaf pouch, and rendang, a meat dish stewed in spices and braised in coconut milk.
Older Muslims give money in green packets to children and guests who visit their homes.
In Egypt, families partake in Eid prayers amid a festive atmosphere. Many visit relatives, friends or neighbours, and some go on vacation. Children, usually wearing new Eid outfits, receive traditional cash gifts known as “aidiya” (celebratory gift).
Making or buying Eid cookies dusted with powdered sugar is another fixture of marking the holiday in the country.
In the United States, where over 3.45 million Muslims live, many come together for Eid prayers and for festivals featuring fun activities for children and families.
(Associated Press)
