JAKARTA, Indonesia. Muslims worldwide ushered in the joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr, commemorating the end of Ramadan with customary festivities. However, amidst the spirit of celebration, the shadow of the Gaza conflict loomed large, casting a somber pall over the holiday.
In Istanbul, worshippers thronged to the Aya Sofya Mosque for morning prayers, their sentiments intertwined with expressions of solidarity for Gaza. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan conveyed support, labeling Gaza as a “bleeding wound on the conscience of humanity” and advocating for peace and tranquility.
Similarly, in Nairobi’s Rahma Mosque, prayers were offered for the plight of Palestinians. Imam Abdulrahman Musa emphasized the need for global attention to the suffering in Gaza, decrying the silence of the world amidst the unjustified aggression.
In Indonesia, the excitement of the annual “mudik” homecoming was tempered by concerns over the escalating crisis. Civil servant Ridho Alfian highlighted the significance of the tradition, likening it to a moment of rejuvenation after prolonged separation from loved ones.
Despite economic challenges, Eid preparations were in full swing, with markets bustling with shoppers and families embarking on journeys to reunite with relatives. For Arini Dewi, Eid al-Fitr represented a triumph over financial hardships, a sentiment echoed by former Vice President Jusuf Kalla, who urged celebrating the holiday as a victory over adversities.
In Pakistan, stringent security measures were implemented to ensure safety during prayers and shopping activities. Meanwhile, in Malaysia, ethnic Malay Muslims performed prayers amidst lingering controversies, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasizing the importance of unity and respect for cultural sensitivities.
However, amidst the festive atmosphere, tensions simmered over religious sensitivities. The controversy surrounding the use of the word “Allah” on socks at a convenience store chain in Malaysia sparked furor, prompting calls for reconciliation and respect from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
