Millions of Muslims gathered in mosques and open spaces worldwide on Sunday to celebrate Eid ul-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and several other countries officially observed the festival, with large congregational prayers held across the region.
Global Eid Observations
The sighting of the crescent moon on Saturday confirmed that countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Turkiye, Iran, Sudan, Lebanon, Yemen, and Palestine would celebrate Eid on Sunday. The joyous occasion, which comes after a month of fasting and spiritual reflection, saw millions of worshippers gather for special prayers, share festive meals, and engage in acts of charity.
Eid ul-Fitr celebrations were also observed in the United States and Canada by communities that follow the lunar calendar. However, some mosques in these countries, adhering strictly to local moon-sighting traditions, scheduled their festivities based on their own observations.
Eid Festivities in Pakistan and Among Afghan Refugees
While Pakistan’s official announcement set Eid for Monday, members of the Bohra community in Karachi held their prayers on Sunday. They gathered in various localities, including Saddar, Soldier Bazaar, Baloch Colony, and North Nazimabad.
In the Bajaur district, Eid prayers proceeded under tight security measures, ensuring the safety of worshippers. Afghan refugees residing in Pakistan also joined in the Sunday celebrations, maintaining their cultural and religious traditions despite being away from their homeland.
Countries Celebrating on Monday
Several nations, including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Australia, declared that Eid ul-Fitr would be observed on Monday. Astronomical calculations and local moon-sighting committees confirmed that the crescent moon was not visible on Saturday evening, making Ramadan a full 30-day month in these regions.
Bangladesh’s National Moon Sighting Committee announced that the absence of the crescent meant the country would observe Eid a day later than Saudi Arabia. A similar decision was made in India and Indonesia, where officials relied on both scientific data and traditional observations before making the official declaration.
The Spirit of Eid: Unity, Gratitude, and Celebration
Eid ul-Fitr is more than just a festival; it represents unity and gratitude. Families came together to perform Eid prayers, exchange greetings, and enjoy traditional dishes. Markets were bustling in the days leading up to the celebration, as people bought new clothes, sweets, and gifts for loved ones.
Charitable giving remains a significant part of Eid ul-Fitr. Muslims distributed Zakat al-Fitr, a form of charity meant to ensure that the less fortunate could also partake in the festivities. This tradition highlights the values of generosity and compassion that Ramadan instills in followers of Islam.
Despite regional variations in the sighting of the moon, the essence of Eid remains the same worldwide. It is a day of joy, gratitude, and renewal, bringing communities closer and reinforcing the spiritual teachings of Islam.
