In pictures: Eid al-Fitr in Israel and Muslim world
Millions of Muslims worldwide kick off celebrations of religious holiday marking end of month of Ramadan with family meetings, meals, processions, charity-giving and shopping. Here are images of some of the festivities and prayers from around the world.
Eid al-Fitr, which is also known as Eid al-Saghir (the smaller holiday), is observed in each country separately according to the first sighting of the crescent moon shortly after sunset. If the moon is not observed immediately after the 29th day of the previous lunar month, then it is marked the following day. For that reason, the holiday is not celebrated on the same day in all Muslim countries or among all Muslim communities worldwide.
Eid al-Fitr, which lasts three days, is a holiday in which worshippers give thanks to God for allowing them to successfully get through the difficult month of fasting. It’s a very social holiday, in which people visit their relatives and friends and settle differences from the past year. During the holiday, many Muslims also give charity to the poor. Eid al-Fitr is a commercial holiday as well, as people shop for a lot food, clothes and gifts for their family members ahead of the holiday. Particularly festive prayers are held in mosques, followed by family gatherings for big holiday meals.
16-year-old Yazam Abid of the Jerusalem neighborhood of Issawiya, bought a new shirt for the holiday. “Tonight we are going to friends in Issawiya, and then we will continue the celebrations with friends in Tel Aviv,” he said.
Thousands of people participated in Eid al-Fitr processions in Israel’s Arab communities, including Arab Knesset members and heads of local councils. On Sunday morning, thousands took part in Eid al-Fitr prayers in mosques and soccer fields in the different Arab communities.
“I offer my greetings to the residents of Tayibe and to the all the Muslim people on Eid al-Fitr,” Tayibe Mayor Sha'a Mansour Massarwa told Ynet. “There was a very happy atmosphere yesterday. We had some amazing activities for the children and the residents. We went out on the streets and handed out flowers and gifts to the residents. Tayibe is always open to Arab and Jewish guests, because we all believe in coexistence that can lead us to the finest places.”
Ynetnews wishes all its Muslim readers: عيد الفطر سعيد وكل عام وانتم بخير
Hassan Shaalan, Elior Levy, Roi Kais, Yael Friedson contributed to this report.
