Eid-ul-Fitr 2020: Virtual Sermons, Prayers On Soccer Pitches And In Churches Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

Owing to the coronavirus pandemic which has paralysed human movement around the world, Eid celebrations this years are likely to be different. However, several Muslim organisations and individuals resorted to technological and virtual alternatives to keep up Eid traditions.

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Eid al-Fitr is one of the most celebrated holidays for the world's 1.5 billion Muslims and traditionally a time for family and festivities. Marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Muslim communities across the globe pay respect to Allah for providing strength and endurance during the month-long fasting rituals. During Ramadan, the faithful refrain from eating, drinking, smoking or sexual activity from dawn to dusk is practised. By the end of the holy month, people celebrate Eid in a three-day celebration, marked by large family festivities and mass prayers. Lakhs of Muslims throng mosques and eidgahs across the world to offer prayers. In several households, a feast is prepared as members of the family gather to partake in it and children are often given gifts. People also exchange greetings by shaking hands, hugging loved ones and saying “Eid Mubarak”, which means “have a blessed Eid”. However, owing to the coronavirus pandemic which has paralysed human movement around the world, Eid celebrations this year is likely to be different. Unlike every year, this time people are unable to visit Mosques or celebrate the day in large gatherings. To keep up Eid traditions alive amid the pandemic, several countries came up with unique and creative initiatives so that people don’t assemble in large gathers for prayers and celebrations. According to International Media Al Jazeera, several Muslim organisations and individuals resorted to technological and virtual alternatives such as virtual sermons, social media celebrations and online concerts. It reported that a US-based civil rights group - Council of American-Islamic Relations (CAIR announced to use online tools to allow American Muslims to celebrate Eid. Countries like Russia and Australia organised live streaming of prayers and sermon on TV Channels, Facebook Live, Zoom, YouTube and other digital platforms to ensure community safety. European countries kept up the festive vibes by practised global harmony as well as following social distancing norms amid the crisis. In the UK, virtual Eid celebration included several activities for children such as story-telling, crafts, exercise classes, lectures on Eid traditions and rituals. In a heart-warming sight, Muslims in Sweden conducted prayers on a soccer pitch. Similarly, Muslims in Germany performed special prayers in stadiums, sports halls, and open spaces. While some mosques were permitted to open, even churches extended help and opened doors for Friday prayers. Other reports mentioned of Eid celebrations in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia where the governments allowed prayers but with social distancing norms. For instance, Indonesia permitted to host prayers at mosques but asked participants to wear masks and maintain social distancing. In neighbouring Malaysia, Muslims celebrated Eid with a limited number of people in mosques, giving up the tradition of shaking hands as part of the new coronavirus etiquette.