Eidul Fitr prayers offered at Masjid al-Haram, Masjid al-Nabawi in presence of millions of Muslims from across world

RIYADH, ISLAMABAD, April 21 (SABAH): Eidul Fitr prayers were offered at Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) and Masjid al-Nabawi (Mosque of the Prophet) in the presence of millions of faithful from around the world on Friday.

The grand mufti, in his sermon after the prayers, urged unity and sacrifice for the poor and the needy among the faithful.

He said salvation of mankind lies in following the commandments of Allah and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUP). He prayed may Allah Almighty create mutual love and harmony in the world of Islam.

Eidul Fitr was celebrated in Middle East, Egypt and Jordan, Europe and Americas on Friday. However, in many European countries and Americas, followers of some sects will mark Eid on Saturday.

In Libya, the religious authorities based in the capital of Tripoli, announced Eid celebration on Saturday, while in the eastern part, run by a rival administration, authorities marked the festival on Friday.

In Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, Eid will be celebrated on Saturday.

As the moon could not be sighted on Thursday in Philippines, the country will celebrate Eid on Saturday. But, In Indonesia, the country with the largest Muslim population, religious affairs minister announced on Thursday that Eid would be celebrated on Saturday.

In some countries with a Shiite Muslim majority, authorities have announced Eid would be celebrated on Saturday.

Statements from Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Iraq’s highest Shiite authority, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, said Eid would be celebrated on Saturday in their countries.

In Oman, too, the religious festival would be marked on Saturday.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, performed the Eid Al-Fitr prayer at the Grand Mosque with the crowds of worshippers who filled the mosque and the surrounding courtyards in Makkah.

Following the prayer, the Crown Prince received scholars, sheikhs, ministers on Eid Al-Fitr. They all had breakfast with the Crown Prince.

King Salman offered a speech on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr. He said, “We are pleased to congratulate you on the blessed Eid Al-Fitr. May Allah accept from all of us the fasting of Ramadan month, the prayers and good deeds. May Allah return to all of us Eid for many years, as we, you, our country, and all the countries of the world enjoy security, peace, and tranquillity.