Cairo - The Arab world's clergy may indulge in a theological squabble over the beginning and end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Various moon sightings continue to be a divisive issue and a way of asserting sovereignty and status of the religious authority in every country.
Millions of ordinary Muslims, nevertheless, do not seem to be bothered by this minor issue. They have a unity of purpose: to celebrate and feel good despite economic hardships in some countries and violence in others.
Festivities, known as Eid al-Fitr, mark the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. They begin with an early morning prayer that bring together Muslims from across social class, ethnic and sectarian divides.
Prayer may be unifying but cultural diversity is reflected in the way Muslims celebrate the Eid.
In countries like Egypt and Jordan, visiting graves of beloved ones is a centuries-old tradition. Meanwhile, in Tunisia, young suitors are expected to pay a symbolic visit to their would-be in- laws during the Eid. As a token of love, they give away expensive presents, such as jewels and perfume.
Tribal dancing is a feature of Eid festivities in the southwest of Saudi Arabia on the border with Yemen. The local population gather to perform a folkloric dance in which swords are used.
This men-only dance marked in the distant past a declaration of war.
In the Arab world, food tradition during the festivities is as varied as the different meals served at Christmas in different parts of Europe.
Tunisians eat salted fish that makes them drink a lot of water as a compensation for the drink-free month of Ramadan.
In Saudi Arabia, families congregate in tents where a traditional dish of meat, rice and nuts is served.
In Egypt a special cake sprinkled with sugar is considered the Eid delicacy.
Just like Christmas shopping in the West, Eid shopping is part of the celebrations, especially children's clothes.
But the economic divide between many Arabs is strongly felt during Eid.
Many Arabs have to reach deep in their pockets to finance Eid consumer needs and suffer the consequences of their seasonal shopping for months to come.
Many Iraqi families maybe among those. But undeterred by the pinch of economic hardships and deadly bouts of violence, Iraqis are tempted by markets buzzing with life and imported goods.
The tradition, known across the Arab world, of giving out money to children may be a boost to the ailing finances of many families.
