CAIRO — As Ramadan concludes, Muslims worldwide are preparing to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. The holiday is typically a joyous occasion, celebrated with communal prayers and festivities, including family visits, gatherings, outings, and the purchase of new clothing.
For some Muslim communities, this year’s Eid arrives during a period of significant change.
In Gaza, this marks the second Eid al-Fitr since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict. A surprise wave of Israeli strikes, resulting in hundreds of deaths, ended a previous ceasefire with Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered these strikes following Hamas’s refusal to meet Israeli demands for the release of half of the remaining hostages as a condition for extending the ceasefire. Earlier in the month, Israel had also stopped the delivery of essential supplies like food, fuel, and medicine to Gaza.
The resumption of hostilities altered the circumstances for Palestinians in Gaza, who had begun Ramadan under a fragile truce. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli campaign. The conflict originated with the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, in which Hamas-led militants killed approximately 1,200 people and took around 250 hostages.
Elsewhere in the Middle East, Syrians will observe their first Eid al-Fitr since the end of more than five decades of rule by the Assad family. The first Ramadan since the removal of President Bashar Assad has brought relief to many Syrians but has also been marked by a surge of violence amidst a difficult transition.
In the United States, the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration has led to the detention of several individuals with ties to American universities who support Palestinian causes.
What is Eid al-Fitr?
It’s an Islamic holiday signifying the end of Ramadan, the month in which practicing Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. Ramadan is a time for increased devotion, charitable giving, and acts of kindness. It also often involves celebratory gatherings to break the daily fast.
Eid al-Fitr translates to the festival of breaking the fast.
When is Eid al Fitr?
Islam uses a lunar calendar, causing Ramadan and Eid to shift throughout the year. This year, Eid al-Fitr is anticipated to begin around March 30; however, the specific date may differ between countries and Muslim communities.
What are some common Eid greetings?
Eid Mubarak, meaning Blessed Eid, and Happy Eid are common greetings.
What are some of the traditions and customs associated with Eid al-Fitr?
In Indonesia, many participate in “mudik,” a tradition of returning to their hometowns to celebrate with family.
During recent Eid celebrations, Indonesians have filled airports, trains, ferries, buses, and motorcycles, leaving major cities amidst heavy traffic to return to their villages for the holiday.
Before Eid, markets are bustling with shoppers purchasing clothing, shoes, cookies, and sweets.
In Malaysia, Muslims also have a homecoming tradition for Eid. The day typically begins with morning prayers at the mosque, seeking forgiveness from loved ones, and visiting the graves of relatives.
An “open house” atmosphere encourages visits between friends and family to celebrate Eid and enjoy traditional foods like ketupat, rice cooked in palm leaves, and rendang, a meat dish simmered in spices and coconut milk.
Older Muslims often give money in green envelopes to children and guests.
In Egypt, families participate in Eid prayers in a festive atmosphere. Many visit relatives, friends, or neighbors, and some travel. Children, often dressed in new Eid clothes, receive cash gifts known as “eidiya.”
Making or buying Eid cookies sprinkled with powdered sugar is another tradition in Egypt.
In the United States, where Muslims represent a diverse minority, many gather for Eid prayers and festivals that include activities for children and families, such as face painting and balloon animals.
—Associated Press writers Niniek Karmini in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Eileen Ng in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, contributed
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