By, Rafif Ridwan
As the blessed month of Ramadan ended, Muslims around the world had
eagerly prepared to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. For international students at IIUM, this season often
brings a mix of excitement and homesickness as many remain far from home during that
special time.
To understand the diversity in Eid celebrations, I spoke with several international students at
IIUM about how they celebrate Eid al-Fitr in their respective home countries. Their responses
revealed rich cultural traditions, festive foods, and varying national circumstances that shape
their celebration of this joyous day.
Germany: Celebrating Eid as a Minority
A second-year Psychology student of Bosnian descent living in Germany who would like to be known as Sumejja, shared that Eid is not a public holiday in Germany. “We have to take the day off to celebrate,” she said, noting how this affects the way Muslims observe the occasion in a non-Muslim majority
country.
Despite the lack of a public holiday, the community spirit remains strong. Just like in
Malaysia, Bosnian families in Germany visit relatives, host open houses, and prepare
traditional foods. One staple dish is pečenje, which is a roasted meat dish usually made with
beef instead of pork, served in large portions to feed many guests. Another popular item is
pita sa sirom, a cheese-filled pastry that resembles a snack or dessert and is commonly
enjoyed during Eid.
Interestingly, instead of giving duit raya (Eid money) to children, families in her community
give out gifts. “That’s when I knew my childhood had ended, because I don’t receive gifts no
more,” she quipped with a laugh.
Bangladesh: A Week-Long Festivity of Color and Flavors
For two Bangladeshi students, who are both second-year students majoring in ICT and
psychology respectively, Eid in Bangladesh is a vibrant and extended affair. “Our celebration
lasts for a week,” Afiya, the ICT student shared. “We visit relatives, greet each other and of
course, kids receive Eid money.”
The festive mood is amplified by the dazzling fireworks that light up the night sky and the
tables full of traditional food. One highlight is pulao, a fragrant rice dish cooked with basmati
rice, whole spices, herbs, and meat. Common meats include lamb, beef, and chicken, served
alongside the beloved dessert shemai, sweet vermicelli cooked in milk and topped with nuts.
Their traditional attire also adds to the charm of Eid: men don Punjabis while women adorn
themselves in colorful sarees. “One thing I noticed is that Malaysians celebrate Eid for a
whole month! Back home, the celebration usually lasts a week or two at most,” said Anika,
the would-be psychologist observed.
Vietnam: Eid as a Muslim in Minority Country
An ICT third-year student from Vietnam, Yafa, said that celebrating Eid is a more subdued
experience. “Muslims make up only 0.2 percent of the population in Vietnam,” he explained, which
means the celebration is less visible compared to Muslim-majority countries like Malaysia.
“What’s different is that we don’t use fireworks, they’re banned in Vietnam,” he noted. The
restriction, unrelated to Eid’s status as a public holiday, limits one of the elements commonly
seen in celebrations elsewhere.
Still, the traditions endure. He described how Muslims in Vietnam visit family and neighbours
and prepare special meals, even though there are no specific Eid delicacies unique to the
country. “We celebrate just fine and safely,” he said.
Comparing the experience in Malaysia and Vietnam, He commented, “Eid here (in Malaysia)
feels livelier because the whole country celebrates it. But of course, nothing beats celebrating
Eid at home with your parents and family.”
A Shared Spirit, Different Shades
These stories reveal how international students carry their cultural traditions with pride even
when celebrating far from home or in countries where Eid isn’t a public event. While the
customs, foods, and lengths of celebration may differ, the essence of Eid remains the same: a
time of joy, family, gratitude, and spiritual renewal.
As IIUM is a melting pot of global Muslim experiences, these heartfelt
stories remind us of the beautiful diversity that unites us all in the spirit of Eid.***
(*Picture obtained from free photos database on iStock by Getty Images website.)
