Muslims around the world are celebrating the three-day Eid al-Fitr festival, which commemorates the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
The starting day of Eid varies every year and from country to country depending on geographical location. Eid celebrations begin with a special prayer in mosques and open-air areas. Families and communities across the world gather to celebrate with prayers, feasts and festivals. Muslims traditionally shop on the eve of Eid for new clothes and food. Celebrations last for three days and are a time for family gatherings and exchanging gifts.
Footage uploaded to social media purports to show Syrians preparing to celebrate Eid al-Fitr to mark the end of Ramadan. One video is said to show children playing on equipment built specifically for them during the religious festival, with one man saying they have not celebrated Eid for five years.
Palestinians across the region, including President Abbas in the West Bank and Hamas leader Haniyeh in Gaza, celebrated Eid al-Fitr.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani calls for peace in the war-torn country as the nation's Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr.
Pakistan is celebrating Eid al-Fitr, one of the two major religious festivals in the Islamic calendar, amid extremely tight security.
Indonesians Muslims flocked to mosques to mark Eid al-Fitr, celebrating the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan. Thousands of people clad in traditional Muslim outfits attended the prayers at the grand mosque of Dian al-Mahri.
Muslims across northwest China on Wednesday celebrated their traditional Eid al-Fitr Festival as well.
In Maldives, Eid began with early morning prayers held in large congregations across all islands. The prayers were followed by people exchanging greetings with one another near mosques and by visiting relatives and friends. The islands celebrate Eid with fun festivities including cultural games, music shows and other activities. The activities differ from island to island.
But Eid is not all about celebrations; it’s also about helping those who are less fortunate. Throughout the years, Islamic countries have practiced this beautiful habit through Zakat or even Sadaqah or "voluntary charity".