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Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark the end of the fasting month, Ramadan. This celebration is one of the two major holidays in Islam, the other being Eid al-Adha (the feast of sacrifice) at the end of the year.
It is a joyous and much-awaited occasion after fasting for four weeks from the break of dawn to sunset (Eid al-Fitr in Arabic means "the festival of breaking the fast"). Different countries celebrate Eid with their own traditions. Here are some of them:
Iran
In the capital of Iran, Tehran, people gather at the Imam Khomeini’s Mosalla Grand Prayer Grounds to perform the Eid al-Fitr prayer. The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ali Khamenei, leads the prayer, Press TV reported.
Naqareh drums were played at the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS), the eighth Shia Imam, in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad on Sunday night, March 30, 2025. The worshippers, who had been fasting for a month, took part in the Eid prayers across the country in the morning during the celebration, which marks the end of Ramadan.
In a message on Sunday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian extended Eid al-Fitr greetings to leaders and nations of Muslim countries, calling for more unity and solidarity among the Muslim world. Pezeshkian said that Eid al-Fitr is a manifestation of unity and the consolidation of religious and social bonds among Muslims.
Senegal
In the Francophone West African country, Senegal, Islam is a way of life. Nearly all of its population is Muslim, accounting for 97 percent.
Al Jazeera wrote that Senegal is known for its culture of “Teraanga,” a Wolof word loosely translated as hospitality, warmth, and sharing. Many locals say that just by asking for directions to the nearest restaurant from a passerby, you could get an invitation to a family dinner.
“No one is going to go hungry here because everyone has something to share,” said Hawo Kane, a 34-year-old photographer, to Al Jazeera, adding that Senegalese cities slow down during Ramadan, which intensifies the Teraanga culture.
Malaysia
As Muslims in Malaysia begin celebrating Eid al-Fitr after a month of fasting, the sound of cannons reverberates across paddy fields in Kampung Talang, a village in the northern part of the country, in a tradition that has lasted for decades to mark the start of the joyous moment.
Residents of Kampung Talang have upheld the unique custom for generations as a symbol of homecoming. “For us, Hari Raya isn't complete without it. People come back just to experience that feeling again," said Mohammad Yusri Mat Desa, a 39-year-old veteran meriam (cannon) maker, as quoted from the New Straits Times.
Preparations typically begin a week to 10 days before Eid al-Fitr night, with this year seeing nine teams set up their meriam, often decorating them with creative themes. Over 100 meriams are fired during the occasion, attracting thousands of spectators.
Morocco
Families come together after Eid prayers, where breakfast tables adorned with an array of savory and sweet meals, particularly dry and nut-based pastries, and almond-based cookies, the Morocco World News reported.
Moroccans also serve special dishes, such as buttery flatbread that is usually served with honey (lessl), cheese, and sometimes amlou, a peanut or almond paste. Baghrir, also known as the Moroccan pancake, is a go-to among Moroccans during Eid.
Apart from the breakfast feast, Eid al-Fitr is special in Morocco because of its morning ambiance. The streets are filled with Eid al-Fitr greetings, while children line up in the morning in front of their houses to show off their new style, or perhaps flaunt their "Eidi" - cash they receive from relatives on this occasion.
Qatar
Traditional markets like Souq Waqif and modern shopping centers such as Vilaggio and the Doha Festival City buzz with vendors and buyers alike as Eid al-Fitr approaches.
The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs has also prepared 690 mosques and open fields for the Eid al-Fitr prayers, including main venues like the Education City Stadium and Al Wakra Sports Club.
Traditional Qatari households prepare lavish dishes including harees (slow-cooked meat and wheat porridge), thareed (bread soaked in rich savory broth), and balaleet (sweet vermicelli with saffron and cardamom).
The anticipated tradition during this celebration is the giving of Eidiyah, cash gifts given by elders to children as a symbol of blessings and joy. Public celebrations are held across the nation. Old Doha Port will host an eight-day festival featuring traditional maritime bands and family activities at Mina District.
Additional entertainment includes fireworks at Katara Cultural Village and performances along the Corniche. Charitable initiatives remain at the core of the celebration, with residents participating in the distribution of zakat al-fitr, obligatory alms given before the Eid al-Fitr prayer.
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