Eid al-Fitr is widely celebrated in the Sultanate of Brunei, a small nation on the southeast Asian island of Borneo. The holiday marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, and is one of the most important religious events in the Muslim calendar. In Brunei, Eid al-Fitr is a public holiday, allowing people to fully participate in the religious, communal, and festive aspects of the event.
Eid al-Fitr in Brunei is known for its unique characteristics that make it different from how it is celebrated in other Muslim-majority countries. The celebration begins with a special Eid prayer at the mosque early in the morning, followed by visits to the graves of deceased family members. Later, extended families come together to feast on traditional dishes such as satay, rendang, and ketupat. One of the main highlights of the festive season is the 'open house' tradition. During the open house, relatives, friends, neighbours, and even strangers are welcomed into homes to enjoy a meal and socialize.
Additionally, Eid al-Fitr in Brunei is not just about merriment but also charity and goodwill. It is traditional for Bruneians to donate to the poor and needy before the end of Ramadan so that they can also celebrate Eid. The government of Brunei also contributes by distributing aid to the underprivileged. The spirit of compassion, togetherness, and social responsibility during Eid al-Fitr in Brunei is a significant example of the cultural and religious values of the country.