PHOTOS: World Muslims mark Eid al-Fitr

Muslims from across the world, including in Iran, are celebrating Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

Shortly after sunrise on Wednesday, Iranian people turned out en masse throughout the country to take part in Eid al-Fitr mass prayers.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei led the Eid al-Fitr prayers at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Grand Prayer Grounds (Mossalla).

In his sermons after the prayers, the Leader referred to the International Quds Day rallies, which were held last Friday, and noted that Iranians took part in the demonstrations en masse despite scorching heat in some areas to assert that they continue to be devoted to the Palestinian cause.

Ayatollah Khamenei said people from all ranks of the society engaged in self-sacrifice during the holy month of Ramadan, offering Iftar to the needy in various neighborhoods across cities.

The Leader said the auspicious occasion of Eid al-Fitr was turned into a time of mourning in some cities in the world, including in the Iraqi city of Baghdad and the Turkish city of Istanbul, as terrorist attacks killed large numbers of people.

Ayatollah Khamenei said the conflicts in certain Muslim countries, including Yemen and Syria, were a result of meddling by super powers in the affairs of the countries.

The Leader noted that enemies seek to get Muslim countries busy with internal issues so the Palestinian cause is forgotten and the atrocities of the Israeli regime go unnoticed.

Referring to the issue of high payments to certain executives in Iranian institutions, Ayatollah Khamenei said such disbursements constitute a “sin.”

The Leader said while certain shortcomings have occurred in the past resulting in the issue of salaries, the matter must now be seriously followed on. Ayatollah Khamenei said the president  is fortunately involved in probing the issue.

The Leader said returning the money that has illegally been taken from the state coffers should be put on the agenda of the administration so people’s trust is maintained.

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

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 designated by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) after his migration from Mecca to Medina.

Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid al-Fitr by paying Zakat al-Fitr and saying the Eid prayer in a congregation.