Muslims globally gathered to mark the end of Ramadan with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr on Sunday. This significant holiday was filled with traditional observances, including communal prayers and festive gatherings, reflecting joy and a sense of community among Muslims.
Festivities and Traditions
As part of the celebrations, families donned new attire and shared meals, reinforcing the communal spirit of Eid. In Jerusalem, thousands of Palestinians congregated at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the Old City for prayers. Similarly, in Serbia, the Islamic community held its central Eid ceremonies at the Arab mosque in Novi Pazar, where communal prayers were a highlight of the day.
In Lisbon, Portugal, Muslims gathered in outdoor prayer spaces, embracing the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends, blending cultural traditions with contemporary festivities.
In Mecca, the heart of the Islamic world, millions participated in mass prayers at the Grand Mosque, amplifying the spiritual significance of the holiday. Notably, Syrians celebrated their first Eid al-Fitr after the end of over fifty years of oppressive rule by the al-Assad family, marking a poignant moment in their history.
Eid al-Fitr overshadowed by conflict
However, for some communities, the joy of Eid was muted by ongoing conflicts. In the Gaza Strip, residents faced their second Eid al-Fitr amidst the war between Israel and Hamas. The festivities were marred by scarcity and despair, with many families struggling with dwindling food supplies and the absence of hope for an end to the violence.
Tragically, Israeli airstrikes on the eve of Eid resulted in the deaths of at least 19 individuals, primarily women and children, as reported by officials from the Hamas-run health ministry. The recent escalation of violence has ended a brief ceasefire, leading to devastating consequences for the already beleaguered population.
“It’s the Eid of sadness,” said Adel al-Shaer after attending outdoor prayers in Deir al-Balah. “We lost our loved ones, our children, our lives, and our futures. We lost our students, our schools, and our institutions. We lost everything.”
This year’s Eid al-Fitr serves as a poignant reminder of both the joy of community and the profound challenges faced by those caught in the throes of conflict.