Muslims worldwide celebrated Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, but the festivities were overshadowed by the escalating crisis in Gaza and Israel’s anticipated military action in Rafah after months of conflict.
In Nairobi, Kenya, Imam Abdulrahman Musa emphasized solidarity with Palestinians, denouncing the violence they endure, echoed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s message of support, branding Gaza a “bleeding wound on the conscience of humanity.” Istanbul’s Aya Sofya Mosque saw worshippers carrying Palestinian flags, expressing solidarity amidst warnings of famine and limited aid in Gaza.
Within Gaza, Eid was a somber affair, with residents in the Jabaliya refugee camp mourning loved ones lost during Israel’s response to Hamas’s attack. Om Nidal Abu Omeira, amidst bombed-out structures, grieved for her deceased relatives, highlighting the emotional toll of the conflict, especially on children questioning their absent fathers.
Eid Al-Fitr Celebrated Globally Amidst Gaza’s Ongoing Suffering (Credits: WTOP)
Despite the grim situation in Gaza, elsewhere, Eid was a time of gratitude and connection after a month of fasting. Markets bustled with shoppers, and people returned to villages to celebrate with family. In Indonesia, the largest Muslim nation, the annual homecoming known as “mudik” saw three-quarters of the population traveling, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting after prolonged separation.
Jakarta’s Istiqlal Grand Mosque teemed with devotees praying for Gaza’s Muslims, emphasizing the humanitarian aspect of the crisis over religious divisions. Similarly, in Berlin, worshippers from diverse backgrounds gathered, reflecting on their blessings and expressing empathy for those suffering from war and hunger.
In Pakistan and Malaysia, security measures were heightened to ensure a safe Eid celebration, while in Russia, worshipers gathered amidst tensions following a recent extremist attack. Leaders emphasized unity against terrorism, echoing President Putin’s assertion that terrorism transcends nationality and religion, calling for collective action against such threats.
