Today is Eid al-Fitr, the celebration that marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. Muslims believe it to be the month in which the Qur’an was revealed to the prophet Muhammad.
During Ramadan, it’s common for Muslims to gather at the mosque to pray.
Large crowds turn out especially for Laylat-ul-Qadr, the night that Muslims believe the Qur’an to have been revealed. On this night, many Muslims will stay up in worship from dusk until sunrise. The image below, taken in Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, demonstrates the importance of this night in the Islamic faith.
As Ramadan comes to an end, people will travel across the world to visit their families.
Both men and women will buy special clothes and jewelry for the occasion. This includes buying traditional garments, such as the customer below, in Karachi, or buying accessories to enhance your outfit. It’s a celebration of unity and people are meant to look good when praying to God.
The morning Eid al-Fitr prayers take place just after sunrise, usually concluding before the workday begins.
The morning prayers aren’t exclusive to men.
World leaders also made the most of the opportunity, with images appearing of the presidents of Syria, Afghanistan, Palestine, and Tunisia at morning prayers.
After the morning prayers, families will typically spend the day together. Part of the day includes sharing traditional sweets.
Just like in other religious festivals, families will buy gifts for each other. UAE banks stocked up with crisp bank notes in preparation.
Families also go to cemeteries and recite prayers for relatives who have died.
When families are together, they are meant to think about the poor. This is an important part of the day and follows a tradition from Muhammad, who said that Muslims should be aware of what was happening around the world. This is why Friday prayers include a political sermon.
