Muslims around the world prepare for Eid al-Fitr celebrations under pandemic restrictions

This weekend, the Eid al-Fitr will mark the end of the fasting month of Ramadan for the world’s 1.8 billion followers of the Muslim faith
Muslim communities across Australia are finding ways to celebrate Eid al-Fitr marking the end of Ramadan in smaller groups due to restrictions on gathering sizes due to COVID-19 (Getty)
Getty Images

At the end of a long month of fasting during daylight hours, Muslims worldwide traditionally come together for vibrant Eid al-Fitr celebrations with friends and family.

The festivities last three days and are a significant point in the calendar for the world’s 1.8 billion people of the Muslim faith. People usually celebrate by travelling, visiting family and gathering for lavish meals after communal prayers in mosques. The holiday will begin on Saturday or Sunday, depending on the sighting of the new moon.

But with coronavirus restrictions on movement and public gatherings in place across most of the globe, this year millions of celebrants will find themselves confined to their homes for the festival.

And during a time usually associated with shopping and celebration, many will also be finding themselves gripped by economic worries created by the pandemic.

Some countries, including Turkey, Iraq and Jordan, will impose round-the-clock curfews for the duration of the holiday, and in Saudi Arabia - home to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina - people will only be allowed to leave their homes to buy food and medicine.

In the UK, earlier this week the Muslim Council of Britain - an umbrella organisation of various UK Muslim bodies - said people should celebrate Eid at home and virtually.

People usually celebrate by travelling, visiting family and gathering for lavish meals after communal prayers in mosques
AFP via Getty Images

Celebrities including Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain and Citizen Khan creator Adil Ray have urged fellow Muslims to follow social distancing guidelines.

In a video posted online, Hussain says "now could not be a better time to put others first", while Ray adds: "This year, we can stay home, save lives and give consideration to others. What a wonderful Eid gift that would be."

In Indonesia many people appeared to flout social distancing rules to purchase goods ahead of the special weekend
AFP via Getty Images

Former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq, who also appears in the video, says: "By following the guidance we are helping to protect not just ourselves but also our families."

In some countries where restrictions are in place, they are not being followed by locals. Streets were packing in Indonesia today as many flouted social distancing rules to purchase goods ahead of the special weekend.

But even in countries that have largely reopened, the holiday will not be the same.

Most restrictions have been lifted in Jerusalem, but the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, the third holiest site in Islam, will remain closed until after the holiday.

Shopkeepers in the Old City, which has been emptied of tourists and pilgrims since March, are reeling from the effects of six weeks of lockdown.

The Jafar family’s famous sweets shop in the Old City is normally a hive of activity, with tourists and locals enjoying knafeh, a syrupy cheese-filled pastry.

These days the seating area is empty and dark as only takeout is allowed.

“It had a huge impact on us,” said Ali Jafar, one of the owners, as he worked the counter.

He said business has dropped by more than two thirds, forcing them to lay off 10 workers.

In Egypt, authorities have extended the nighttime curfew, which will now begin at 5pm instead of 9pm, and halted public transportation until May 29.

Socially distanced prayers are currently taking place all around the world
AFP via Getty Images

Shopping centres, beaches and parks, which would ordinarily be packed, will be closed.

Manal Zakaria, who lives in the city of Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast, said her family usually celebrates by gathering for big meals, singing, dancing and taking group photos.

“I am very, very, very sad because I will not be seeing my siblings and their children,” she said.

“No matter how much we talk over the phone, there is nothing like coming together.”

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