MUSLIMS around the world are preparing to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual reflection.
While the occasion is traditionally associated with joy, communal prayers, family reunions and new attire, this year’s celebrations are taking place against a more subdued backdrop, with ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and broader geopolitical tensions shaping the global mood.
In some regions, including the United States, Muslims have observed Ramadan amid concerns over immigration enforcement and rising anti-Muslim sentiment, alongside anxiety for relatives affected by conflict.
Eid al-Fitr, which literally means “the festival of breaking the fast”, marks the conclusion of a month during which devout Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset while focusing on prayer, charity and acts of kindness.
The festival is widely regarded as a time of gratitude, renewal and communal celebration.
As Islam follows a lunar calendar, the timing of Ramadan and Eid shifts each year by approximately 11 days, rotating through the seasons.
This year, Eid al-Fitr is expected to fall on 21 March in Malaysia, although the exact date may vary depending on moon sightings and local observances across different countries and communities.
Typical greetings exchanged during the festival include “Eid Mubarak”, meaning “Blessed Eid”, as well as “Happy Eid”.
Celebrations differ across countries but share common themes of family reunions, prayers and festive meals.
In Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, millions undertake a mass return to their hometowns in a tradition known as “mudik”, with travellers departing major cities by road, rail and air to reunite with families in villages.
Markets are typically crowded in the days leading up to Eid as people purchase clothing, gifts, sweets and traditional foods.
In Malaysia, Eid is similarly marked by a strong homecoming tradition.
The day often begins with morning prayers at the mosque, followed by visits to relatives and the graves of loved ones.
The “open house” culture encourages social visits between friends and family, with households serving traditional dishes such as ketupat, rice cooked in woven palm leaves, and rendang, a richly spiced meat dish prepared with coconut milk.
It is also customary for elders to give children and guests money in green packets.
In Egypt, Eid celebrations begin with communal prayers and are followed by visits to relatives, neighbours and friends, with some families travelling to holiday destinations.
Children often wear new clothes and receive monetary gifts known as “eidiya”, while households prepare or purchase traditional Eid cookies dusted with powdered sugar.
In the United States, where Muslims represent a diverse ethnic and racial minority, Eid is commonly marked with congregational prayers and community gatherings.
Festivities frequently include family-oriented activities such as face painting and balloon twisting, reflecting the communal and inclusive nature of the occasion.
Despite the diversity of customs worldwide, Eid al-Fitr remains a unifying celebration for Muslims, symbolising the completion of Ramadan and the shared values of faith, charity and togetherness. - March 21, 2026
