[0:00]Allah Akbar, Allah Akbar, Allah Akbar.
[0:15]After a whole month of Ramadan when Muslims across the world fast from dawn to sunset, right now it's the time for Eid al-Fitr Festival known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast, marking the end of the month of Ramadan. Allahu Akbar.
[0:40]And right now I'm here celebrating the Eid al-Fitr Festival in the Tonson Masjid, which is the oldest Masjid in Bangkok, and also in Thailand, which was built for more than 350 years ago since the Ayuthaya period. where the atmosphere is filled with excitement and anticipation for the Eid al-Fitr prayers. This period is the show of the mercy to the mankind and to ask forgiveness for each other, we have done together by word, by action, by deed that you maybe harm the brothers and the others. And you ask forgiveness like a Hosikam in the Buddhist together and we create all the misunderstanding and the conflict out of the their mind. We'll become the happy together with the smiling and they say Salam. Salam it mean peaceful. As the sun rises, the mosque adorned with decorations, welcomes hundreds of worshipers dressed in their eat best. While the ground hums with the soft murmurs of prayers and greetings of Eid Mubarak or blessed Eid. The day begins with the Eid prayer, as Muslims across the city, both local and from diverse international backgrounds, congregate in mosques and open spaces, united in faith and festivity. Allahu Akbar. Beyond the prayers and charitable acts, Tonson Mosque has transformed into a festive space. Stalls offer traditional foods and sweets, bringing the flavors of Eid's culinary diversity to life. The highlight dishes for the Tonson community start with Khao Burry, which means tobacco rice or cigarette rice, sourced from a prominent Thai royal. Followed by the community's authentic beef and mutton Korma curry and beef soup. The ritual of visiting cemeteries on Eid is not mandated by Islamic scripture, but has become a customary practice in many Muslim communities. It serves as a moment of contemplation, a bridge connecting the living with those who have passed. The Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) allowed and persuaded every people, Muslim people, come and visit to the graveyard like this anytime. The graveyard is nearest to the mosque. So the first prayer I have touch is graveyard. And when I came to this, I have a happiness. Not sadness.
[3:38]Why happiness? I refer and recognize to my childhood. My father, my mother give me a very good take care to me. When I have my life like this, I think to my parents. So, it seem that no sadness. It's the first happiness after you pray.
[4:19]On Eid day, besides being an important religious day, it is also a day for relatives to gather together. We do a lot of cooking. In some houses, they open their doors and invite neighbors to join in the meal. In the meantime, the month of fasting falls in summer in Thailand, when temperatures can soar, adding a layer of physical challenge to the spiritual journey. For Westerners who visit Thailand and have to fast during Ramadan, it is even harder though. Very difficult for in terms of the thirst. Um, like having to because I've been visiting a lot of sites and so I'm having to walk around not being able to drink has been very difficult because, you know, I'm not used to this heat at all being from the UK. But the hunger hasn't been a problem really. How you survive? Um, by drinking as much as possible before sunrise and then hoping that I'm I'm okay, yeah. Islam celebrates two major festivals. Besides Eid al-Fitr, it's Eid al-Adha. Both festivals emphasize unity, generosity, and devotion, central to Islam's values and communal spirit. Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating around the world. May this Eid bring you joy, peace, and prosperity. Kittipat Chunsukjit, reporting for Thai PBS World.
[5:47]Allahu Akbar.
