Muslims around the globe are celebrating Eid al-Fitr, a significant festival marking the conclusion of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. This year, Eid al-Fitr falls on March 30, 2025, for many, while others, such as those in Pakistan, will celebrate on March 31, 2025, following the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon.
Eid al-Fitr, which translates to "festival of the breaking of the fast," is a time of joy and gratitude, where families gather to share meals and exchange gifts. The day is marked by communal prayers in mosques and open grounds, reflecting a sense of unity and community among Muslims.
In Australia, three Muslim women shared their personal celebrations with 9News. Massilia Aili, a reporter, described her Eid routine: "We all usually wake up super early out of excitement, get dressed in all new clothes, exchange gifts, attend Eid prayers as a family, and then have breakfast together. We visit family friends for lunch and end the day with a barbecue with all of our extended family."
Sophia Chowdhury, a content creator, expressed her joy in celebrating with cousins in Melbourne, saying, "It usually includes lots of food, laughs, and naps." Olympian Tina Rahimi added, "We usually just wear our nicest outfits and get together for lunch, and my mum will make us food! It feels so odd to start eating and drinking again during the day since we're so used to fasting. Just being able to have food or a drink feels so special!"
As for traditional dishes, Aili mentioned baking Eid cookies with her mother, while Chowdhury highlighted her mother's chicken biryani and her aunt's beef biryani as must-haves. Rahimi shared that Ghormeh Sabzi, a Persian herb stew, and Fesenjoon, chicken in pomegranate and walnut sauce, are family favorites.
Reflecting on their fondest Eid memories, Aili recalled, "As a child, being able to spend Eid with all my extended family and everybody visiting each other throughout the day to celebrate." Chowdhury cherished the moments of getting ready with her mother, stating, "I love that now that I'm older, I help her get ready and do her makeup and hair."
Eid is a heartwarming holiday for many, as Aili expressed, "It’s one of those soul-food sorts of holidays where you feel super proud of yourself for everything you've accomplished over the last month and where all the people you love the most gather for a really positive and joyful celebration." Rahimi echoed this sentiment, saying, "Eid is so special because it marks the celebration after a month of fasting and sacrifices. It's an amazing feeling to come together with loved ones, dress in new clothes, and enjoy a wholesome meal together."
Across the world, congregational prayers marked the beginning of Eid al-Fitr. In Jerusalem, thousands gathered at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound for prayers, while in Gaza, the situation was starkly different. Residents there observed their second Eid amid ongoing conflict, with many lamenting the loss of loved ones and the devastation surrounding them. A local resident, Adel al-Shaer, poignantly stated, "It’s the Eid of sadness. We lost our loved ones, our children, our lives, and our futures."
In other parts of the world, Muslims celebrated with a mix of traditional and modern festivities. In Mecca, millions joined in mass prayers at the Grand Mosque, reinforcing the spiritual essence of the holiday. Meanwhile, in Serbia, the Islamic community held its central Eid ceremony in the Arab mosque in Novi Pazar, and in Portugal, outdoor prayer gatherings were organized.
In Pakistan, Eid celebrations are set to commence on March 31, 2025, after the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee confirmed the moon sighting. The government has declared holidays from March 31 to April 2, allowing families to come together in celebration. Special prayers will be held across major cities, and the tradition of giving Zakat al-Fitr, a charitable donation, will be observed, emphasizing compassion and generosity.
Families in Pakistan will gather for elaborate feasts featuring dishes like sheer khurma, biryani, and kebabs. One cherished custom is the exchange of Eidi, cash gifts given by elders to children, fostering a spirit of joy and connection among family members. As one community member noted, Eid serves as a moment of gratitude and unity, strengthening family bonds and fostering a sense of community spirit.
As celebrations unfold worldwide, the spirit of Eid al-Fitr resonates deeply, reminding Muslims of the importance of family, community, and gratitude after a month of spiritual discipline. While some communities face challenges, the essence of Eid remains a powerful symbol of hope, resilience, and togetherness.
