Muslims mark Eid al-Fitr as Ramadan ends amid war and tension abroad

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Muslims around the world are preparing to mark Eid al-Fitr, the holiday that ends Ramadan, the month-long period of fasting from dawn to sunset for devout believers. Eid al-Fitr is often celebrated with a mix of worship and community activities, including congregational prayers and visits that bring families together. This year, some Muslims are observing the holiday under a cloud of worrisome domestic and international events tied to the Iran war, which has affected how people think about loved ones in the Middle East.

For many observers, Eid al-Fitr is not only a religious milestone but also a social one. The holiday is typically greeted with joy and excitement, and it is marked with congregational prayers and festivities that can include family visits, gatherings, outings and new clothes, according to the Associated Press’s overview of the holiday.

Eid al-Fitr cycles through the seasons because Islam follows a lunar calendar. This year, the first day of Eid al-Fitr is expected to be on or around March 20, though the actual date may vary among countries and Muslim communities.

When greeting someone during the holiday period, some common phrases include “Eid Mubarak,” “Blessed Eid,” and “Happy Eid,” reflecting a widely used set of seasonal greetings. The AP also described Eid as the “feast” or “festival” of breaking the fast, linking the meaning of the holiday directly to the end of daily Ramadan fasting.

In Indonesia, Eid observance often includes a homecoming tradition, with many people leaving major cities to celebrate in their hometowns with loved ones. The Associated Press said that popular markets before the holiday typically teem with shoppers buying clothes, shoes, cookies and sweets, reflecting a period of preparation and gift buying ahead of the first day.

Malaysia similarly includes a homecoming pattern for Eid, the AP reported, with the first day often beginning with a morning prayer in the mosque. That same day can include visiting the graves of loved ones, and families may hold an “open house” spirit in which friends and relatives trade visits while enjoying traditional delicacies. The AP also said that older Muslims give money in green packets to children and guests who visit.

In Egypt, Eid prayers are observed in a festive atmosphere, and families often visit relatives, friends or neighbors or travel to vacation spots. Children, the AP reported, typically wear new Eid outfits and receive “eidiya,” traditional cash gifts. The holiday can also include making or buying Eid cookies dusted with powdered sugar.

In the United States, where Muslims are an ethnically and racially diverse minority, many communities come together for Eid prayers and also hold festivals that feature activities for children and families. The AP described such gatherings as often including face painting and balloon twisting.

The Associated Press said that for many Muslims in the United States, Eid celebrations this year come amid fears that involve immigration enforcement and anti-Muslim rhetoric, alongside the war in the Middle East where some have loved ones. For communities across countries, Eid al-Fitr remains defined by the same core shift—Ramadan ends and the holiday begins—even as the context surrounding the celebration differs from place to place.