As the war in the Gaza Strip continues to dominate headlines, millions of Muslims worldwide are concluding the holy month of Ramadan.
The month-long period of fasting, prayer, and reflection that began in early March this year is traditionally capped off with Eid al-Fitr, the festival of breaking the fast.
Saudi Arabia, which is home to Mecca and Medina, the two holiest sites in Islam, has declared Wednesday as the start of Eid al-Fitr.
Muslims in other countries, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey, are also celebrating on the same day.
In Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa with a sizeable Muslim population, the President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Sa’ad Abubakar, declared Wednesday, April 10, as the day of Eid-Fitri.
The decision was based on the report of National Moon Sighting Committees across the country, confirming no earlier sighting of the new moon.
The council accepted the report and declared Wednesday, April 10, 2024, as the first day of Shawwal 1445AH.
Children, in particular, receive gifts and sweets on Eid. The end of the month of fasting is determined by the sighting of the new moon.
Fasting is one of the five basic obligations for Muslims, and during the month, devout Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sex between sunrise and sunset.
It is estimated that there are around 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide, with Indonesia, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh being the most populous Muslim-majority countries.
As Ramadan comes to an end, Muslims worldwide are celebrating the spirit of community, togetherness, and generosity that the month embodies, while also looking forward to a new beginning marked by Eid al-Fitr.
