In Sweden, thousands gathered at Uppsala Mosque for Eid al-Fitr, with over 2,000 attendees reported. Aras Hussein noted that two Eid prayers were held at Uppsala mosque due to large crowds, with a positive atmosphere. This event coincided with Nowruz celebrations at Vaksala torg in Uppsala.
In Gävle, thousands attended post-prayer celebrations, including family activities and a visit to a play area, according to Abdirahman Hassan. Eid al-Fitr celebrations in Gävle began with prayers differing from regular Friday prayers and included takbir (praising God) as recommended by the Prophet Muhammad. In Islam, almsgiving to the poor is required before Eid prayers, as practiced in Gävle.
In Kalmar, hundreds gathered in a sports hall for an event organized by the Muslim Association in Kalmar to spread joy, especially for children after fasting. Mohammad Alkwamla explained that the event was particularly important this year due to global conflicts, offering respite for those with relatives or friends in war zones. In other parts of Sweden, Eid celebrations were held at local mosques in Helsingborg and Gothenburg.
It is a different prayer than the Friday prayer, and it is recommended to say takbir, which means to praise God, as the Prophet Muhammad said.
Ramadan began on February 19 and ended with Eid al-Fitr. This Ramadan was particularly challenging due to long daylight fasting hours (up to 22 hours daily) in summer, though fasting is shorter but hotter in the Middle East, possibly making it equally difficult. Aras Hussein attributes the difficulty of Ramadan to both fasting and many terrorist attacks in Iraq and Saudi Arabia during Ramadan, hoping for a calmer year ahead.
For Eid, Aras Hussein plans to celebrate with family and friends, mentioning a Kurdish dish called 'pacra' as a luxury meal requiring 5-6 hours to prepare. Daily schedules for Eid vary by family but often start with morning prayer. Internationally, in Doha, Qatar, Eid was celebrated in a shopping center despite cancellations of other events and concerts due to the war in the Persian Gulf.
In the United Kingdom, up to 30,000 people gathered at Small Heath Park in Birmingham for Eid prayers and celebrations, organized by Green Lane Mosque, causing traffic congestion. West Midlands Roads issued warnings about traffic congestion due to the Eid event in Birmingham. Birmingham Council stated it was working with police to manage safety at the event.
We have thousands of people here today, and after the prayer, we will have family activities and go to a play area.
In Morden, thousands gathered at Baitul Futuh Mosque for Eid prayers, with the mosque described as the largest in Britain with a 13,000 capacity. On the Isle of Man, hundreds celebrated Eid, with a growing Muslim community and multiple small gatherings. In Middlesbrough, individuals like Aisha Sadiqa and Samina Zaman shared personal Eid experiences, including fasting during Ramadan.
However, celebrations were overshadowed by a political controversy. Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy called a Muslim prayer event in Trafalgar Square an 'act of domination and division'. London Mayor Sadiq Khan criticized Nick Timothy's comments and called for his dismissal.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch did not sack Nick Timothy and accused the Prime Minister of 'sucking up' to Muslims. The full details of this political controversy, including the Prime Minister's response to the accusations, are not known. The total economic or social impact of Eid celebrations on local communities, such as traffic or business effects, has not been assessed.