Muslims mark end of Ramadan amid caution over swine flu

Muslims worldwide yesterdeay celebrated Eid al-Fitr marking the end of Ramadan, but authorities urged caution as large gatherings and returning Mecca pilgrims fuelled fears of swine flu spreading.

In Cairo, where two people have died from the A(H1N1) flu virus and nearly 900 cases have been reported, preachers suggested that worshippers perform the traditional Eid dawn prayer at home rather than in crowded mosques.

"We ought to cancel Eid prayers... there should be a national campaign to keep crowded places clean and ensure they are safe for people," Suad Saleh, head of Islamic Jurisprudence at Al-Azhar University, told the English-language Egyptian Gazette.

Cairo airport authorities have reinforced swine flu testing measures as the end of Ramadan means the return of thousands of pilgrims from Saudi Arabia.

Fear of the virus spreading in the crowded conditions during the pilgrimage is shared by many other countries who are considering cancelling the annual Hajj pilgrimage this year.

Jordanians have been urged to refrain from kissing each other in a bid to combat the contagious disease.

"People should not kiss at social events and gatherings. Instead, they should just shake hands," the Amman government's fatwa (religious edict) department said in a statement ahead of Eid when families and friends gather in large groups.

In Saudi Arabia, there were fireworks yesterday night around Riyadh and the Prince Faisal sports stadium was hosting a parade and motorcycle races.

However many Saudis were also expected to stream into neighbouring Dubai and Bahrain for Eid. Both locations are popular for those seeking a break from the ultra-conservative kingdom's restrictions on movies, music and alcohol.

In Jakarta, thousands of people queued for hours outside the presidential palace to pay their respects to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, state news agency Antara reported.

Indonesian officials fearful of swine flu spreading set up thermal scanners at the open house event, which is part of a custom that sees people throughout the country ask for forgiveness from others for slights and offences. In Morocco and Algeria, residents made the most of a long-weekend to head back to their villages or tourist resorts.

In Lebanon, fireworks broke out in parts of Beirut where patisserie windows were stocked with Maamul, a semolina-based pastry stuffed with nuts or dates.

In Muslim-majority Senegal, families donned their best for the feast known there as "koriteh," tucking into the traditional dish of millet cereal and curdled milk.

The start of Eid is traditionally determined by the sighting of the new moon, often dividing rival Islamic countries and sects over the exact date.