The loud takbir voice of Eid al-Fitr prayers echoed over the minarets of thousands of mosques throughout the Asia-Pacific region as millions of Muslims gathered to celebrate the end of Ramadan.

Why it matters:

Eid al-Fitr is not only a significant religious observance for Muslims but also a time for community bonding, cultural expression, and charitable acts. The celebrations highlight the diversity and unity of the Muslim community across different countries.

 

The big picture:

In countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, the Philippines, southern Thailand, New Zealand, Japan, and Australia, Muslims came together in vibrant displays of faith and tradition. The event marks the culmination of a month of fasting and devotion, reinforcing the importance of community and spirituality.

 

Key points:

  • Over 300 million Muslims participated in Eid al-Fitr prayers across the Asia-Pacific region.
  • In Malaysia, the celebration includes vibrant traditional clothing and communal prayers.
  • The holiday is marked by acts of charity, including feeding the poor and opening homes to those in need.
  • Many Indonesians and Malaysians travel to their hometowns during the two-week holiday to seek forgiveness and reconnect with family.
  • Malaysian worshippers donned colorful traditional attire known as "Baju Melayu."

 

Go deeper:

Pakistan's Eid al-Fitr: A Celebration of Unity, Solidarity with Palestine

Gazans Mark Eid al-Fitr Prayers on the Ruins of Mosques Amid Israeli Bombardment 

Zohre Khazaee