Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, was celebrated by Muslims worldwide. The festivities included prayer, gatherings with loved ones, new clothing and indulging in sweet treats. However, this joyous occasion was overshadowed by the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the threat of a ground offensive by Israel in Rafah, amidst ongoing conflict.
In Istanbul, worshippers gathered at Hagia Sofia mosque for morning prayers and waved Palestinian flags while chanting slogans in solidarity with Gaza. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extended his support to Gaza, calling it a “bleeding wound on the conscience of humanity” in his holiday message. He expressed hope for peace, tranquility and well-being for all people.
The plight of Gaza was also a central theme in prayers at Rahma mosque in Nairobi, Kenya. Imam Abdulrahman Musa emphasized the importance of standing in solidarity with Palestine’s oppressed population who are subjected to unjustified aggression and violence while the world remains silent. Meanwhile, Indonesia held large communal prayers that emphasized humanitarian solidarity as a means to address the conflict in Gaza.
In Pakistan, strict security measures were put in place with over 100,000 police and paramilitary forces deployed to ensure safety at mosques and marketplaces during Eid celebrations. In Malaysia, ethnic Malay Muslims gathered at mosques as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim encouraged unity and reconciliation among all groups regardless of religious or other differences. He urged respect for cultural practices and ways of life as a way to foster a dignified nation.
