Iranians celebrate Muslim holiday Eid al-Fitr

As one of the most important religious ceremonies, Eid Al Fitr prayer was held on Sunday morning in all parts of Iran along with many other countries.

The office of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei released a statement, announcing July 29 as the first day of the Islamic calendar month of Shawwal.

The statement said the perception of the new moon had been confirmed for the Supreme Leader through several crescent observers in various parts of the country.

In the Iranian capital of Tehran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei led Eid al-Fitr prayers performed in Tehran University.

Eid al-Fitr marks the new lunar month of Shawwal and end of Ramadan - the ninth month on the Islamic calendar - when Muslims refrain from dawn to dusk from eating, drinking, smoking, and indulging in anything that is in excess or ill-natured.

Muslims believe Ramadan to be an auspicious month for the revelations of God to humankind, given the belief that it was in Ramadan when the first verses of the Holy Qur'an were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Eid al-Fitr was founded by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) after his migration from Mecca to Medina.

Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid al-Fitr by wearing their best clothes, paying Zakat al-Fitr, and offering the Eid prayer in a congregation.
/SR