Muslims in Barbados and across the Caribbean will observe Eid-ul-Fitr this week, marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, prayers, and charity.
The festival’s start will depend on the sighting of the new crescent moon on Thursday at sunset. If the moon is not seen, an additional day of fasting will be observed, with Eid celebrated on Saturday.
Suleiman Bulbulia, Caribbean Regional Director for the Organization for Islam in Latin America and the Caribbean (OIPALC) and Muslim Chaplain at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, said the festival joins two billion Muslims worldwide in celebration.
“Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection and reconnection to the Creator. Eid-ul-Fitr is the culmination of that sacred period,” he said.
This year, Ramadan coincided with Lent, a rare overlap between Islam and Christianity. Bulbulia noted that both traditions emphasize sacrifice, self-discipline, and charity, with followers turning toward the Divine.
He also highlighted the global context of Ramadan, which this year occurs amid increasing tensions in the Middle East.
“Muslims are praying for peace, an end to conflict, and the safety of humanity,” Bulbulia said, referring to ongoing unrest in Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran.
According to the Pew Research Center, Islam is the world’s fastest-growing faith, with Muslims representing just over 25% of the global population, while Christianity remains the largest religion at nearly 29%. (PR)
