On Tuesday, Muslims across the world celebrated the first day of Eid-al-Fitr with religious fervor and enthusiasm. Traditionally, Eid-al-Fitr features three days of feasting as family and friends gather to give thanks to Allah Almighty for helping them through the preceding month. But, in three countries - Syria, Somalia and Libya - in particular the holiday was a bittersweet occurrence.
After Eid-al-Fitr Salat, thousands of demonstrators rallied in the streets of Syria and were attacked by President Assad's forces once again. At least seven people were shot dead, including a teenage boy in the Daraa province. Hundreds of people gathered in the northern city of Aleppo, which was still considered to be loyal to President Assad.
"The best gift this Eid would be the end of the regime. This has been a hard month marked by a bloody Eid. This day is supposed to be a happy day, an important time of celebration. For us it is a time when we ask God to assist us in our righteous revolution," a Latakia resident said, according to the LA Times.
In Libya, rebels fighting against the dictatorship of leader Moammar Gadhafi ended Ramadan late Monday by resting on the road to Gadhafi's hometown, Sirte, which was also one of the last fortresses of his loyalist forces. The first Eid-al-Fitr after the downfall of the tyrant leader is priceless as Libyans say they will enjoy this year's holiday in freedom.
"This Eid is a double celebration: we are celebrating Eid al-Fitr and Eid-of Freedom," preacher Sheikh Tareq Ahmed Abbas said.
As for Somalia, the food crisis in the African nation is now the worst humanitarian predicament on the planet. Famine-struck Somalis celebrated Eid-al-Fitr this year with rations from aid agencies, many having to travel long distances to receive it. Thankfully, a group called the World Assembly of Muslim Youth gave out clothes and gifts to children for the occasion.
"I am very happy because they gave me clothes so I can share the joy of Eid with my family," a boy named Mohammad told Al Arabiya.
Meanwhile, Egyptians are celebrating their first Eid-al-Fitr without long-serving President Hosni Mubarak. Mubarak was forced to step down in February after 18 days of massive protests.
"The Eid is better without Mubarak," Muslim preacher Mazhar Shahin told thousands of Egyptians gathering in Cairo's iconic Tahrir Square to offer Eid-al-Fitr prayers.
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