In pictures: From Gaza to Indonesia – Eid al-Fitr celebrations around the world
In pictures: From Gaza to Indonesia – Eid al-Fitr celebrations around the world
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Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
Muslims have begun celebrating the end of the fasting month of Ramadan with solemn sunrise prayers followed by savoury high-calorie feasts to mark their holiest holiday.
Thursday's celebrations come despite concerns over violence looming in parts of Asia and elsewhere.
In Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, throngs of believers went to mosques for the start of Eid al-Fitr. The three-day festivities end a month of dawn-to-dusk fasting and prayer for Muslims. The holiday is also a time of reflection, forgiveness and charity.
Eid also shows unity among the Muslim community across the world, with a special prayer either offered in an open field or a hall. As part of the celebrations money is given to the poor and needy. Muslims are encouraged to forgive any differences they may have had with others during the year. The celebrations mark the end of Ramadan but it is in fact forbidden to fast on Eid.
Some countries remain on heightened alert for potential violence. The US closed diplomatic posts in 19 cities in the Muslim world this week after warning that al-Qa'ida or its allies might target either US government or private American interests.
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