Most Arab and Islamic countries are celebrating the first day of Eid al-Fitr today, Friday, while an atmosphere of war prevails in the Middle East region.
In Jerusalem, Israeli forces prevented worshippers from accessing the Al-Aqsa Mosque to perform Eid prayers, closed the mosque's doors for the first time in 59 years, and chased and assaulted Jerusalemites at the mosque's gates and courtyards.
In Mecca, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman performed the Eid al-Fitr prayer at the Grand Mosque in Mecca.
As a result of the war, 80% of Gulf pilgrims left Mecca via air and land routes.
In Syria, Syrians performed Eid al-Fitr prayers in various cities and governorates. The Great Umayyad Mosque and the Hassan Mosque in Damascus were filled with worshippers, while President Ahmed al-Sharaa performed the prayers at the People's Palace prayer hall in the capital. In northern and eastern Syria, the Grand Mosque in Maaret al-Numan, the Hussein Mosque in Qalaat al-Madiq, and the Said al-Jabi Mosque in Hama, along with the Abu Hurayra Mosque in Raqqa, the al-Fath Mosque in Deir ez-Zor, and the Grand Mosque in al-Bab in the Aleppo countryside, witnessed a large influx of worshippers for the Eid prayers.
In Egypt, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi performed the Eid al-Fitr prayer for the year 2026 at the Al-Fattah Al-Aleem Mosque in the new administrative capital, amidst the presence of a number of senior state officials and dignitaries in a festive and spiritual atmosphere.
Mosques in Cairo and the governorates of Egypt witnessed a large influx of worshippers to perform the Eid prayer.
In the UAE, worshippers performed Eid prayers at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, and in various parts of the country.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, sent a congratulatory message that read: “To the people of the Emirates, and to all who consider the Emirates a home, may you be well every year. In these blessed days, we are united by solidarity and the spirit of one family, and our nation derives its strength from the dedication of those who protect it and the spirit of solidarity among its people. We ask God Almighty to protect the Emirates and fill your homes with optimism and tranquility.” Signed “Mohammed bin Zayed.”
In Qatar, Emir Tamim bin Hamad performed the Eid al-Fitr prayer along with a crowd of citizens at the Lusail prayer ground in the Qatari capital.
In Oman, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq performed the Eid al-Fitr prayer at Al-Khor Mosque in the capital, Muscat.
