How the world celebrating Eid-al-Fitr 2011?

People perform prayers for Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, on Tahrir square in Cairo

Eid-al-Fitr is being celebrated by Muslims all over the globe from Moscow to Saudi Arabia to Australia. Eid-al-Fitr is a three-day religious event that marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month in Islam when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset every day.

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.

Solar & Lunar Eclipses believe view in Islam

Muslims have to pray and ask allah the almighty for his forgivness and salvation at the Eclipses time

Muslims recognize that everything in the heavens and on earth is created and sustained by the Lord of the universe, Allah Almighty. Throughout the Qur'an, people are encouraged to look around them, observe and reflect on the beauties and wonders of the natural world - as signs of Allah's majesty.

"Allah is He, who created the sun, the moon, and the stars -- (all) governed by laws under His commandment." Qur'an 7:54

"It is He who created the night and the day and the sun and the moon. All (the celestial bodies) swim along, each in its orbit." Qur'an 21:33

"The sun and the moon follow courses exactly computed." Qur'an 55:05

In remembrance and gratefulness for all of His favors, Muslims all over the world bow down in prayer five times each day. At a time of a solar or lunar eclipse, there is a recommended prayer (salatul-kusuf) that is performed by the Muslim community in congregation.

The Prophet's Tradition (peace be upon him)

During the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), there was a solar eclipse on the day that his son Ibrahim died. Some superstitious people said that the sun eclipsed because of the young child's death and the Prophet's sadness on that day. The Prophet corrected their understanding:

Narrated Al-Mughira bin Shu'ba: On the day of Ibrahim's death, the sun eclipsed and the people said that the eclipse was due to the death of Ibrahim (the son of the Prophet). Allah's Apostle said, "The sun and the moon are two signs amongst the signs of Allah. They do not eclipse because of someone's death or life. So when you see them, invoke Allah and pray till the eclipse is clear."

Reasons that Muslims should be humble before Allah during an eclipse

• An eclipse is a sign of the majesty and power of Allah.

• Narrated Abu Masud: The Prophet said, "The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of the death of someone from the people but they are two signs amongst the signs of Allah. When you see them, stand up and pray."

  • An eclipse can cause people to become frightened. When frightened, Muslims turn to Allah for patience and perseverance.

  • Narrated Abu Bakr: Allah's Apostle said: "The sun and the moon are two signs amongst the signs of Allah and they do not eclipse because of the death of someone, but Allah frightens His devotees with them."

    • An eclipse is a reminder of the Day of Judgment.

    • Narrated Abu Musa: The sun eclipsed and the Prophet got up, being afraid that it might be the Hour (i.e. Day of Judgment). He went to the Mosque and offered a prayer with the longest Qiyam, bowing and prostration that I had ever seen him doing. Then he said, "These signs which Allah sends do not occur because of the life or death of somebody, but Allah makes His worshipers afraid by them. So when you see anything thereof, proceed to remember Allah, invoke Him and ask for His forgiveness."