Trending Now - Eid Celebrations Shine Amid Challenges and Rising Islamophobia
WHO:
Muslims around the world
Prophet Muhammad
WHAT:
Eid al-Fitr is being celebrated amid ongoing war in Iran and many parts of the Middle East.
The last four celebrations of Eid in Gaza have been marked by the sounds of warplanes, gunfire, and shelling.
Thousands of families in Gaza have lost their homes and loved ones, with many living in shelters or among the ruins of their houses.
The Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs in Gaza reported that most mosques are no longer available for Eid prayers, forcing residents to perform prayers in small open-air spaces, streets, or tents.
Mohammad Al-Hajj, the imam of the Martyrs of Al-Aqsa Mosque, noted that preparations for Eid used to begin days in advance, with hundreds of neighborhood residents gathering for prayers.
Abeer Al-Hilu expressed that Eid was always the most joyful time for her children, who eagerly awaited new clothes and outings, stating, “Today, I don’t know how Eid will come without them … the house is silent, and no one asks to go play or visit relatives.”
Abdullah Al-Nouri, 22, remarked, “Every Eid is hard for me … no one is with me to share the joy or even pray with me.”
Lamis Al-Kurd, who lost her entire family during the conflict, stated, “Now, I am alone, and no one is with me.”
Despite the losses, people in Gaza are determined to celebrate Eid, maintaining prayers and finding small moments of joy for children among the tents and rubble.
Over 72,000 Palestinians are dead and more than 171,000 are injured due to Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health.
1,109 out of 1,244 mosques in the Gaza Strip have been either completely or partially destroyed since the beginning of the war in October 2023.
Mohammad Al-Hajj, the imam of the Martyrs of Al-Aqsa Mosque, stated, “Despite everything that has happened, people are determined to pray and celebrate Eid, even if the prayer is now held in small spaces or among tents.”
Abeer Al-Hilu lost her three children, aged 10, 7, and 4, in an airstrike and expressed, “Today, I don’t know how Eid will come without them … the house is silent, and no one asks to go play or visit relatives.”
Abdullah Al-Nouri, 22, is the sole survivor of his family, all of whom were killed when their home was bombed, and he remarked, “Every Eid is hard for me … no one is with me to share the joy or even pray with me.”
Lamis Al-Kurd, who lost her entire family during the conflict, stated, “Now, I am alone, and no one is with me.”
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated as the "Festival of Breaking the Fast."
Eid al-Fitr in 2026 falls on either March 20th or March 21st, depending on the Moon sighting.
Celebrations include prayers, family visits, gatherings, and new clothes.
Historical texts like Sahih Bukhari describe early Eids with simple feasts and Zakat al-Fitr (mandatory alms).
Eid marks the beginning of Shawwal, the Islamic New Year post-Ramadan.
WHERE:
Celebrations are taking place in Gaza, Istanbul, Egypt, Greece, Russia, and other Muslim countries.
WHEN:
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on March 20th or March 21st, 2026.
Ramadan lasts for 29-30 days prior to Eid.
WHY:
Eid al-Fitr is a celebration of victory and gratitude for the spiritual discipline and self-reflection during Ramadan.
The festival helps heal past grudges and renews family ties.
HOW:
Celebrations include communal prayers at Eidgah, recitation of Takbir by imams, and family feasts featuring dishes like seviyan, sheer khurma, biryani, and kebabs.
Markets are bustling with preparations for Eid, including the sale of ingredients for traditional dishes and festive attire.
(UPDATED March 20, 2026 23:07 UTC)
Eid al-Fitr is being celebrated today amid the ongoing war in Iran and many parts of the Middle East, with the last four celebrations in Gaza overshadowed by the sounds of warplanes and gunfire. Thousands of families in Gaza have lost their homes and loved ones, forcing many to perform prayers in small open-air spaces or streets, as most mosques are no longer available. Despite the immense losses, residents are determined to find small moments of joy for their children among the tents and rubble, holding onto the spirit of Eid even in the face of such hardship.
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(UPDATED March 20, 2026 15:13 UTC)
Today, the Gaza Ministry of Health reports that over 72,000 Palestinians have died and more than 171,000 have been injured due to ongoing attacks in the region. Since the war began in October 2023, 1,109 out of 1,244 mosques in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed or damaged, yet many are still determined to pray and celebrate Eid, despite the challenges. Personal stories of loss are emerging, with individuals like Abeer Al-Hilu, who lost her three children in an airstrike, expressing deep sorrow about the silence in her home, and Abdullah Al-Nouri, the sole survivor of his family, reflecting on the pain of celebrating Eid alone.
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(UPDATED March 20, 2026 13:22 UTC)
Today, Muslims around the world are celebrating Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal, with festivities taking place in countries like Gaza, Istanbul, Egypt, Greece, and Russia. This joyous occasion, known as the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," includes communal prayers, family gatherings, and special meals featuring traditional dishes such as biryani and kebabs, while markets are bustling with preparations for the celebrations. Eid al-Fitr is a time of gratitude and renewal, helping to heal past grudges and strengthen family ties as people come together in joy and reflection.