Muslims mark Eid with masks and prayers amid COVID and conflict

Muslim-majority countries including Pakistan, Malaysia and Indonesia imposed curbs on shops and even mosques.

Muslims around the world marked a sombre Eid al-Fitr on Thursday in the second celebration in the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic, and amid rising hostilities between Israel and Palestinians. The three-day festival, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, is traditionally celebrated with mosque prayers, family feasts and shopping for new clothes, gifts and sweets. Many COVID-hit countries, including India, Malaysia and Indonesia imposed curbs, shut shops and even some mosques – though the numbers of people out praying were higher than in 2020 when lockdowns all but cancelled events.