Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has joined Muslims in celebrating Eid al-Fitr to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan, when faithful fast from dawn to dusk.
He participated at the Eid Al-Fitr Prayers at Mambila Barracks, Abuja this morning May 2.
Shortly after the prayers, Buhari and his wife, Aisha, hosted some of their children, grandchildren, relatives and aides at the statehouse.
However, Muslim worshippers across the world are celebrating Eid al-Fitr.
Read also: Eid-el-Fitri message: Buhari, Osinbajo, Saraki, Jonathan Salute Nigerians
Eid al-Fitr, meaning ‘Festival of Breaking the Fast,’ falls on the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar.
Traditionally, Eid al-Fitr, often referred to as ‘Eid’, is a three-day feast but can be longer or shorter depending on the country.
Eid usually begins with morning communal prayers, to show appreciation to God. These take place by congregations in open area such as a field, community centre, or mosque.
During Eid, Muslims greet each other by saying ‘Eid Mubarak’, which is Arabic for “Blessed Eid.”
This year, Muslims around the world are observing Eid al-Fitr in the shadow of a surge in global food prices exacerbated by the war in Ukraine.
Against the backdrop, many are still determined to enjoy Eid amid easing of coronavirus restrictions in their countries while, for others, the festivities are dampened by conflict and economic hardship.
Meanwhile, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Speaker, Nigerian House of Representatives, has felicitated with Muslims on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr and he calls for prayers for Nigeria.
The Speaker said the Sallah period, coming after one month of fast during the Holy month of Ramadan, should be used for sober reflections.
He said: “It is imperative for citizens to look inwards and rededicate themselves to their creator through prayers and sincere act of worship.”
