After fasting from dawn until sunset on the final day of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, known as Eid al-Fitr, Muslims break fast, or Iftar, at the Chang Khlan Chiang Mai Mosque in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
“Eid Mubarak signifies a blessed day, a day of celebration. On this day, people will seek forgiveness from one another for any transgressions. If one has wronged another, they will ask for forgiveness, and it will be granted. Especially, people will visit their families and relatives to offer [greetings], pay their respects, and request [blessings],” Swalahuddin, the Imam of the Chang Khlan Chiang Mai Mosque, told DVB.
The Myanmar Muslims Association in Thailand announced that March 20 was confirmed as the 30th day and the end of the holy month of Ramadan, with March 21 being declared as the first day of the holy month of Shawwal, which marks Eid al-Fitr, the festival of breaking the fast.
“This year, Allah granted us the opportunity to unite. I pray that Allah the Almighty grants everyone the same opportunity to unite again next year,” Imam Swalahuddin told DVB.
Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month in the Islamic calendar. This is when Muslims eat a pre-dawn meal before starting their daily fast. While fasting, they recite the holy Quran and perform their five daily prayers.
At sunset, they break their fast, and mosques often provide meals for free. When Ramadan ends, the festival of Eid al-Fitr begins. The Chang Khlan Chiang Mai Mosque is where many Myanmar Muslim migrants residing in northern Thailand gather for prayer and kinship.
