Health

Muslims worldwide prepare for Eid al-Fitr celebrations

People shop at local market the upcoming Eid Al-Fitr celebration in Hyderabad, Pakistan on April 7, 2024 Jan Ali Laghari / Anadolu (Photo: Jan Ali Laghari/Anadolu via AFP)

By Abdirahman Khalif and Bashir Mohammed | Monday, April 8, 2024

In Eastleigh, preparations are in full swing as numerous shoppers flood the malls in preparation for the big day.

As the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close, Muslims around the world are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Eid al-Fitr, the "festival of breaking the fast".

According to astronomical calculations, the first day of Eid is expected to be on April 10 or April 11.

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The start of Eid al-Fitr is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the beginning of the month of Shawwal.

Muslim women shop footwears at a market in Lahore, Pakistan on April 7, 2024, ahead of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the Islamic holy fasting month of Ramadan. (Photo: Arif ALI/AFP)

Muslims will gather after sunset prayers on Monday, April 8, for the sighting of the new moon. If the moon is visible, the next day will be declared Eid, if not, Muslims will fast for one more day to complete the 30-day month.

Eid celebrations vary by country, but traditionally, it is celebrated for three days as an official holiday in Muslim-majority countries.

Mombasa's Marikiti Market abuzz with activity ahead of this week's Eid-Ul-Fitr celebrations. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein/EV)

Muslims begin the day with a prayer service, followed by a short sermon, and then spend the day visiting relatives and neighbours, accepting sweets, and giving gifts to children.

It's a time of joy and celebration with family and friends. People decorate their homes, wear new clothes, and share delicious food with loved ones.

A Palestinian child makes seasonal sweets in a market, ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations which conclude the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on April 7, 2024. (Photo: MOHAMMED ABED/AFP)

In many countries, women gather the night before Eid to apply henna to their hands, a traditional practice that is believed to bring good luck and beauty. Men on the other hand visit barbershops to get a clean shave and style their hairs.

Muslim women at the Sherry Henna Salon getting henna art ahead of Eid Preparations. Women do so as a way to bring out/ celebrate their beauty. Photo Farhiya Hussein

Families also visit graveyards to pay their respects to departed family members.

The celebration is marked by the exchange of Eid greetings, such as "Eid Mubarak" (Blessed Eid) or "Eid sa'id" (Happy Eid), which vary depending on the country and language.

Preparations underway

In Eastleigh, preparations are in full swing as numerous shoppers flood the malls in preparation for the big day.

Mohamed Abukar, a father, enthusiastically told the Eastleigh Voice that he has already purchased clothes for his family and eagerly awaits for the big day.

"Our attire is all set; we're eagerly anticipating Eid," remarked Mohamed with a smile.

Business is flourishing, as confirmed by Fatuma Mohamed, a clothing vendor along 9th Street on Yusuf Haji Road. "Business has been thriving over the past ten days; we've been receiving a lot of customers," noted Fatuma.

In Mombasa, the coastal city markets are bustling with activity as Muslims prepare for the upcoming Eid celebrations this week, with traders expecting booming business as shoppers flock to stores ahead of the festivities.

Mombasa's Marikiti Market abuzz with activity ahead of this week's Eid-Ul-Fitr celebrations. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

Salim Abdallah of Qamiis Thobe Shob, a market vendor, says this week will be busy with shoppers as people prepare for the Eid celebrations.

"There are some who love to do last-minute shopping, but others do their preparations mid of Ramadan when everything is cheaper or at a normal price," said Salim.

Muslims celebrate two Eids every year, that is Eid-ul-Fitr (the festival of breaking the fast) and Eid-ul-adha (the festival of the sacrifice).