Muslims worldwide today celebrate the end of Ramadan. The commemoration of the end of Ramadan is called Eid Fitr.
The name translates as “the festival of breaking the fast” as during the month of Ramadan, Muslims perform one of the five pillars of Islam: the fast. Food, water and sexual activity are all banned until after sunset. Ramadan takes place in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is believed that the Quran’s first verse was revealed during the last 10 nights of this month. The exact date of Eid depends on the lunar cycle, and it is traditionally celebrated for three days – although from country to country, the festival can last anywhere from one to four days.
Muslim faithful at the Eid prayer in Lagos, Nigeria
To commemorate Eid, prayers are offered in the morning at the mosque or open space, with readings from the Quran. Celebrations then take place with friends and family, as well as among the whole community. Children often receive new clothes and their first pocket money, and parents exchange gifts and pastries.
Muslim worshippers perform Eid al-Fitr prayers at the Blue mosque (Sultanahmet) in Istanbul
The White House issued a statement on Saturday evening: “Muslims in the United States joined those around the world during the holy month of Ramadan to focus on acts of faith and charity. Now, as they commemorate Eid with family and friends, they carry on the tradition of helping neighbours and breaking bread with people from all walks of life. During this holiday, we are reminded of the importance of mercy, compassion and goodwill. With Muslims around the world, the United States renews our commitment to honour these values.” The statement ends with the traditional greeting: Eid Mubarak.
Indonesian Muslims offer Eid al-Fitr prayers at a mosque in Surabaya
The Trump administration breaked a tradition that date back 1805 by not holding iftar dinner to commemorate Eid.
President Muhammadu Buhari said, “I am immensely grateful to God for his mercy in guiding us successfully to conclude another Ramadan fast. My greetings to all Nigerian Muslims and our brother Christians on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr! May the lessons of Ramadan namely piety, self-denial, prayers and generosity to the poor and needy be with us for all time. “I, again, appeal to all Nigerians to avoid reckless statements or actions against our fellow countrymen.
We should all resolve to live in peace and unity in our great country, which is the envy of many less endowed nations,” so said the Senate President, Bukola Saraki from Saudi Arabia where he had been for lesser Hajj.
