If you’re reading this Muslim Connect when it drops, Eid al-Fitr, the celebration at the end of Ramadan, begins tonight and hits full stride tomorrow. Feel free to screenshot the image above and use it on your socials.
While Muslims all over celebrate Eid with new clothes, celebratory prayers, visits to family and gifts for kids, here are some regional highlights I find fascinating:
Syria
In Damascus, community ovens draw together celebrants and huge trays of desserts. At home, “Eid scrubbing” is an intense cleaning effort in which families ensure every corner of the house, including walls, is cleaned to make it “brighter than bright” for the holiday.
Nigeria
In northern cities like Kano and Katsina, local leaders dress themselves and their horses and camels in their “Sunday best” and parade through the streets, accompanied by horsemen, guards, and musicians.
Malaysia
Malay families “visit the graves of their loved ones who have passed away. At the graveside, visitors offer prayers for the deceased.” In some parts of Malaysia an Eid tradition continues that involves the firing of ceremonial cannons. As you might imagine, this is an Eid highlight for teenage boys!
Bali
In nearby Hindu-majority Bali, officials estimate 1.7 million of the 4.4 million people on the island will travel home for the holiday. Adding to the challenge, Eid al-Fitr coincides with a Hindu ceremony that consists of island-wide 24-hour period of silence! No one is supposed to leave their homes except for medical treatment.
Iran
Muslims in Iran celebrate both the end of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) and the beginning of spring (Nowruz) on the same day this year! Writer Niloufar Haidari poignantly shares, “. . . families are making their Nowruz and Eid preparations under military bombardment, not knowing whether they will have a home or even be alive to see in the new year. The bazaars, traditionally bustling this time of year, are quieter than usual. Shops are closed, work has stopped. Nevertheless, life persists. Jasmine flowers bloom, their petals covered in ash.”
May peace, hope and the abundant life of Jesus spring forth in the coming year.