Maldives celebrates Eid-al-Fitr

This year’s Eid Al-Fitr, which follows 30 days of fasting in the holy month Ramadan, is being celebrated in the Maldives on Sunday.

The Eid prayer, which is a congregational prayer performed in huge gatherings, was performed only in certain islands of the Maldives in this year due to COVID-19 pandemic. The prayer was performed in the mosques of the Maldives at 0730 hrs in the morning, except in seven islands of the Maldives including Male’ City. An Eid sermon was delivered after the prayer.

The special sermon urged all to be considerate of each other and remain unenvious rather than being hostile. Each person must respect other's rights and enhance relationships by being more compassionate and caring, the sermon reminded. It further stressed that everyone must be provided with the opportunity to celebrate Eid and that it should not be a day only for the wealthy. The sermon called on all members of the community to feel the spirit of Eid.

Muslims are to pay Zakat-al-Fitr before the Eid prayer begins on 1st of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar. Zakat and fasting are both among the five pillars of Islam.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has forced family and friends to be apart during this joyous occasion, the public is being reminded to make use of technology and communication devices to send Eid greetings and spread the joy of the occasion.