Millions of people around the world have gathered for prayers and feasting to mark the end of the Holy Month
Across the world, millions of Muslims have marked the end of Ramadan with prayers, feasting and family time.
Traditional greetings during the Islamic holiday begin with Eid Mubarak, which means “Have a blessed Eid.” Families gather together to pray, share meals and mark an end to the holy fasting month of Ramadan.
Most of the countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Pakistan, Iran, United States, United Kingdom, Australia and others marked Eid ul-Fitr on Wednesday, 6 July, with the exception of India and Bangladesh where Eid has been declared on Thursday, 7 July.
Eid celebrations in Turkey and Russia came a day before Saudi Arabia and others.
This year’s celebrations are marred by a string of terror attacks seen throughout Ramadan, the attacks – mostly claimed by ISIS-affiliated militants – targeting Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Saudi Aarbia, Egypt, Yemen, Bangladesh and the United States, killing hundreds of people.
On July 5, a suicide attack in 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. Only two days before, massive suicide bombing killed more than 200 Ramadan shoppers in 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 a cafe.
This is why in many places, a dark shadow stretches over those celebrations as people try to come to terms with the horror that has befallen them over the past few weeks.
In Baghdad, thousands gathered in the burnt out ruins of a shopping centre destroyed by ISIS on Sunday, lighting candles and remembering the 250 people who died in the worst violence to hit the Iraqi capital since 2003.
For many Muslims, Ramadan is a time for self-reflection, spiritual renewal, developing discipline, focusing on actions with purpose and giving back to humanity. It is also an opportunity to connect with loved ones over dinner as they break the fast with family and friends. During Eid ul Fitr, Muslims celebrate their patience, perseverance, and hard work.
Eid celebration photos from around the world:
