Muslims around the world celebrated Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, but the festivities were overshadowed by the crisis in Gaza. In Kenya, an imam called for support for Palestinians, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the violence in Gaza, calling it a “bleeding wound on the conscience of humanity.” In Istanbul, worshipers at the Aya Sofya Mosque showed solidarity with Gaza by carrying Palestinian flags. Inside Gaza, residents mourned loved ones killed in Israel’s offensive.
While some parts of the world celebrated the end of Ramadan with gratitude, markets were filled with shoppers and people returned to their villages for celebrations. In Indonesia, nearly three-quarters of the population traveled for the annual homecoming known as “mudik.” The Istiqlal Grand Mosque in Jakarta was filled with devotees, with preachers calling for prayers for Muslims in Gaza. In Berlin, worshipers from various countries gathered to show humanitarian solidarity.
In Pakistan, authorities deployed over 100,000 police and paramilitary forces to maintain security at mosques and marketplaces during Eid al-Fitr. In Malaysia, ethnic Malay Muslims performed prayers at mosques nationwide following a controversy involving socks printed with the word “Allah.” Malaysia’s Prime Minister called for unity and reconciliation, emphasizing that no groups should be sidelined based on religion or other reasons. In Russia, worshipers gathered amid tensions following a recent attack by an extremist group outside Moscow.
The celebration of Eid al-Fitr around the world highlighted both joy and sorrow. While some expressed gratitude for the plenty they had after a month of fasting and reflection, others mourned the loss of loved ones in Gaza. The ongoing crisis in Gaza and the looming threat of Israel’s military offensive in Rafah city cast a shadow over the festivities. Leaders and worshipers alike called for humanitarian solidarity and unity in the face of conflict and adversity.
The message of Eid al-Fitr extended beyond religious boundaries, as people from diverse backgrounds and countries came together to show support for those in need. The celebration served as a reminder of the importance of compassion, unity, and resilience in the face of challenges. As Muslims and non-Muslims alike joined in prayer and reflection, they emphasized the need for peace, understanding, and cooperation in a world marked by conflict and division. Karmini contributed to this report from Jakarta, along with Associated Press journalists from around the world.
