Eid-ul-Fitr celebrated across Gulf, West, Africa amid Israeli firing at Al-Aqsa Mosque
All Middle Eastern countries, 11 African states, Europe, USA and Canada mark religious festival today: Israel disallows Muslims for first time in last 60 years to offer Eid prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque: Israeli army opens fire on Palestinians trying to offer Eid prayer outside Al-Aqsa Mosque: World's largest Eid congregations held at Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi: Global leaders exchange Eid greetings and call for unity in Muslim world: PM Shehbaz makes telephone calls to King of Jordan and President of Turkey to convey Eid greetings
Muslims across several regions of the world, including Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations, are celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr today, along with countries in Africa, Europe and North America, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Friday.
According to the report, Eid is also being observed in Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, Sudan and Somalia, as well as 11 African nations. The festival is also being marked in the United States and Canada, while countries including Turkey and the United Kingdom are also celebrating Eid today.
In Palestine, however, the occasion has been overshadowed by unprecedented restrictions at Al-Aqsa Mosque, where, for the first time in six decades, Israeli authorities prevented worshippers from offering Eid prayers inside the mosque.
Palestinians attempted to offer prayers outside the mosque, but Israeli forces opened fire on worshippers gathered near the site, while the sound of gunfire echoed in the area. Despite the situation, Palestinian Muslims continued to raise religious slogans.
The world's largest congregations were held at Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah, where hundreds of thousands of worshippers offered Eid prayers.
King Salman bin Abdulaziz extended Eid greetings to Muslims worldwide, emphasising Saudi Arabia’s continued efforts to promote international peace and stability. His message was read out by Information Minister Salman Al-Dosari.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif telephoned the King of Jordan and the President of Turkey to convey Eid greetings, stressing the need for unity and harmony within the Muslim ummah and reaffirming Pakistan’s desire to strengthen ties with both countries. Both the leaders reciprocated and endorsed Pakistan's stance.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of Australia also extended Eid greetings to the Muslim community.
In contrast, countries including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Indonesia will celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr tomorrow.