This weekend, Eid al-Fitr will be observed by some 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide. The festival (traditionally celebrated officially over three days in most Muslim-majority countries) celebrates the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and is marked by communal prayers in mosques and visits with friends and family. However, this year’s celebrations will be affected in many places by COVID-19 restrictions and lockdown measures. In the UK, the Muslim Council of Britain is encouraging people to celebrate virtually in their homes as mosques are closed. In Saudi Arabia, there is a nationwide 24-hour curfew being imposed from May 23 to 27 following the end of Ramadan, as the country has the highest number of cases in the Gulf region. Notably, Malaysia plans to ease the ban on mass prayers in mosques beginning May 22 in preparation for Eid.

It has been reported, however, that many Muslims in the United Kingdom have felt targeted over the double standards present in government messages regarding requests to stay at home during Eid. Public celebrations for Victory in Europe Day earlier this May did not receive the same anti-gathering warnings from the government that Muslims have been receiving regarding Ramadan and Eid. The pointing of fingers and Islamophobic undertones in the UK’s official messaging has rightfully offended many regardless of their faith. Moving forward, the government should aim to spread consistent and equitable public health messaging to all cultures and faiths. 

Eid traditionally is a peak travel season for the Muslim communities and is a significant revenue earner for the travel and hospitality industry. Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Saudia Arabia, and Abu Dhabi are all countries where Eid public holidays can stretch to more than a week, and many people are on the move to visit their hometowns and relatives. Indonesia, which has the world’s largest Muslim population, has banned mudik, or the homecoming, of vast numbers of migrants for Eid and has clamped down on domestic and international travel by air and sea.

Some followers remain hopeful. Congregations are encouraged to celebrate while following public health orders. The secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain said: "Whilst Eid away from the mosques and from our loved ones is unprecedented and will be a source of great sadness in communities across the country, Muslim communities will adapt and find the best way to still celebrate this holy day whilst aligning to the latest guidance."

(Based on: May 13, 2020, Al Jazeera article; May 14, 2020 Bangkok Post and Skift articles; May 18, 2020, BBC article; and May 20, 2020, Middle East Eye article)