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Muslims across the world celebrated Eid al-Fitr on Sunday marking the end of Ramadan, but authorities urged caution as large social 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 of infection have been reported, preachers suggested worshippers perform the traditional Eid dawn prayer at home rather than at 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 Jordan government's fatwa (religious edict) department said in a statement ahead of Eid when families and friends gather in large groups. In Saudi Arabia, fireworks were planned Sunday night in locations around Riyadh, a skydiving performance was expected and the Prince Faisal sports stadium was hosting a parade and motorcycle races.
Many Saudis however were expected to stream into neighbouring Dubai and Bahrain to celebrate Eid - both are popular for those seeking a break from tough restrictions on movies, music and alcohol. In Jakarta, thousands of people lined for hours outside the presidential palace to pay their respects to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, state news agency Antara reported.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2009

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