[Today’s Prayer] A “Silent Festival” Amid Gunfire: The Largest Muslim Holiday

“I tried to book a flight to visit my parents in the Philippines for the holiday, but there were repeated cancellations. I barely managed to get a return flight to the Philippines, but I’m worried about whether I’ll be able to return safely to Qatar.”

Chris Lumanglas (39), a Filipino working in Qatar, shared the local atmosphere ahead of Eid al-Fitr, the largest holiday in the Islamic world. As the Middle East has effectively entered a state of war due to U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran and Iran’s widespread retaliation, the holiday is being observed in an unusually subdued mood. Hashim Aldaouza (28), a Jordanian living in the UAE, also said, “Normally at this time, restaurants and cafes are full of festive 분위기, but this year people aren’t really going out, and everything feels much more subdued.”

Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the Islamic fasting period of Ramadan, is considered the most important holiday for Muslims. However, due to tightened security and disruptions to travel, the festive atmosphere has been greatly diminished this year. Some are even saying, “It doesn’t feel like a holiday at all.”

Silence and mourning… a dark holiday atmosphere

Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr are among the most important times of the year for Muslims worldwide, regardless of sect, including Sunni and Shia. During Ramadan, believers practice fasting and self-restraint, and when Eid al-Fitr begins, they gather with family, engage in charity and celebrations, share large meals, and participate in communal prayers. Ramadan ends with the sighting of the new moon, which this year falls between the 19th and 21st depending on the country.

According to foreign media such as Al Jazeera and Gulf News on the 19th, the atmosphere in Islamic countries has rapidly cooled ahead of Eid al-Fitr. Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has banned large gatherings such as concerts, plays, and weddings, as well as the use of outdoor speakers. The UAE has restricted and reduced outdoor communal prayers. According to Reuters, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, loud explosions from Iranian missile and drone attacks continue, and emergency alerts warning of threats have been sent to mobile phones for the first time. This reflects one of the most severe security crises the Middle East has faced in recent times.

This subdued atmosphere is also being observed in Shia-majority countries centered around Iran. A mood of collective mourning has formed following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. According to Gulf News, a Shia community in Madhya Pradesh, India, declared a “silent Eid,” choosing to forgo new clothes and celebrations and instead focus only on worship after Khamenei’s death. India, along with Iran and Iraq, is one of the countries with the largest Shia populations in the world.

Due to the war, reduced flights and soaring ticket prices have forced many to give up plans to reunite with their families. Major hub airports such as Dubai in the UAE and Doha in Qatar have been affected, leading to seat shortages, while the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has driven up oil prices, significantly increasing airfare costs. The Times of India reported, “Even those who have never missed gathering with their families during this holiday are facing disruptions to their plans,” adding, “The holiday atmosphere is growing darker.”

Signs of division between sects

Ahead of Eid al-Fitr, signs of division between sects are further deepening the tense atmosphere. On the 19th, an emergency meeting of foreign ministers from 12 Islamic countries was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In a joint statement condemning Iran, the ministers mentioned “Iran” nine times and criticized its attacks on neighboring countries as “heinous.” The meeting and statement were attended by major Sunni military powers from the Middle East and South Asia, including Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, and Pakistan.

Despite Saudi Arabia’s explanation that “the purpose of this meeting is to support peace and stability,” some view it as a clear display of division between Sunni and Shia powers just before the Islamic world’s biggest holiday. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan stated, “We have the right to take military action if we deem it necessary,” adding, “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its partners possess significant capabilities, and our patience has limits.”

Eid al-Fitr

(omitted)

It is a holiday celebrating the successful completion of Ramadan, the obligatory fasting period for Muslims. During this time, families and relatives gather for joyful feasts, and many who work far from home return to their hometowns, creating scenes similar to Korea’s Chuseok or Lunar New Year. Most Islamic countries designate it as a public holiday.

Source: Nate News

“You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. (John 11:50–52)

As the war between the U.S.–Israel and Iran has placed the entire Middle East in a state of war, we hear that even though Ramadan has ended, there is no sense of celebration.

Although Muslims around the world, regardless of sect, are observing Eid al-Fitr, their greatest holiday, major airports across the Arab world have been affected by the war, and soaring oil prices have prevented families from gathering. In this silence, as Muslims in the Middle East seek peace, Lord, have mercy on them.

As the strong unity that once bound the Islamic community begins to break, Lord, open the hearts of Muslims in the Middle East. Lead them to repent of prioritizing the authority of Islam over human life, and bring them before the gospel so that this may become a time where the feast of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, is prepared.

For this purpose, may the Arab church, the Persian church, and the global church remember Jesus who bore the cross to save all nations, striving for unity. As those who have received the authority to become children of God, let them become one and bear witness to true shalom among the nations.

Above all, may the church first represent the nations in reconciliation, leading to mutual forgiveness. At this time when Islam is experiencing division, may the church of Christ become even more united in Jesus Christ, overcoming the powers of darkness, singing songs of victory, and preparing for His return.

And through this, may a great spiritual revival come in which 2 billion Muslims return to believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, and may they be filled with the joy of participating in the wedding feast with Jesus, the Bridegroom.