Ramadan was marked by violence this year, with a series of terrorist attacks at several areas dominated by Muslims. On July 5, a suicide attack outside the Saudi city of Medina—the resting place of the Prophet Mohammed and the second-most holy site in Islam—killed at least four security officers and injured five others. This was just two days after 125 Ramadan shoppers were killed and around 150 injured when a car bomb exploded on a busy street in Baghdad, Iraq. And on July 1, at least 20 people were killed by gunmen in the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka after a 10-hour-long hostage situation at an upmarket cafe in the city. According to reports, the gunmen asked hostages to recite verses from the Quran and those who failed to do so were killed.
But the incidents have not interrupted traditions. Preparations for Eid are in full swing across Muslim communities around the globe. Here’s a glimpse of how the world is preparing for the festival:
In Peshawar, Pakistan: Vendors arrange sweets for sale ahead of Eid. Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset during the month of Ramadan. Special delicacies are prepared for Eid as part of the celebration.Image: EPA/Arshad Arbab
In Kolkata, India: A Muslim man tries a traditional cap at a stall outside a mosque ahead of Eid. Wearing new clothes is a part of Eid celebrations. Some Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad encouraged everyone to dress in their best clothes on Eid.Image: Reuters/Rupak De Chowdhuri
In Karachi, Pakistan: A girl extend her hand as she gets a Henna tattoo ahead of one of the biggest Muslim festivals.Image: EPA/Shahzaib Akber
In the Old City of Nablus, in the West Bank: People shop ahead for Eid.Image: AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed
At a railway station in Dhaka, Bangladesh: People climb to board an overcrowded passenger train as they travel home to celebrate Eid al-Fitr festival.Image: Reuters/Adnan Abidi
In Damascus, Syria: A man and a boy arrange trays of traditional sweets ahead of the Eid holiday marking the end of Ramadan.Image: Reuters/Bassam Khabieh
In Sanaa, Yemen: A youth plays with fireworks ahead of the upcoming festival of Eid.Image: AP Photo/Hani Mohammed
In Karachi, Pakistan: Women take facials at a salon ahead of Eid.Image: EPA/Shahzaib Akber
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