Celebration of Eid ul-Fitr ©
Jan 14, 2000
Last weekend marked the end of the month long fast during the holy month of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal -- the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. It is on the first day of Shawwal that Muslims celebrate Eid, which means “festivity” in Arabic. Eid is celebrated after the sighting of the new crescent on the previous evening. It is on this day that the world’s 1.2 billion Muslims celebrate the joyous holiday called Eid ul-Fitr, “the Festival of Fast Breaking”. On this day Muslims celebrate a month-long achievement which was performed for the sole purpose of pleasing and serving Allah.
For a Muslim, Eid is a day of thanksgiving. On the day of Eid, fasting is forbidden since this day marks the end of the month-long fast. In the morning of Eid, Muslims are encouraged to enjoy a sweet snack such as dates. Other practices on this special day include bathing and adorning oneself in new or one’s best clothes. Muslims celebrate Eid by expressing thanks to Allah by means of distributing alms among the poor and needy and offering special prayers. On this day, gifts are also given to children and loved ones. Eid ul-Fitr is the first of two holidays in Islam. The second holiday is called Eid ul-Adha and falls on the 10th day of Thul Hijjah, which is the 12th month and occurs during the Hajj.
On December 10th American Muslims attended a White House celebration of Eid ul-Fitr hosted by President Clinton. Also in attendance at this function was National Security Advisor Sandy Berger and Assistant Secretary of State Harold Koh. During the celebration President Clinton said, “The month of daily fasting is not only a sacred duty, it is also a powerful teaching, and in many ways a gift of Islam to the entire rest of the world -- reminding not simply Muslims, but all people, of our shared obligation to aid those who live with poverty and suffering. It reminds us that we must work together to build a more humane world.” (To read the full transcript of his remarks, see Clinton)
Here is how other Muslims in the United States and Canada celebrated Eid ul-Fitr:
Shahira, 29, Sudani, Boston, MA: "I worked the first day of Eid (Friday). But I made it a point to wake up early and dress carefully and wear something special. The night before I had called my parents and family and wished them Eid Mubarek. My sister is within driving distance from me so I drove down to see her on saturday and we went and spent the day with Muslim friends. We took presents to their children to make them feel the spirit and excitement of Eid. It was a happy weekend for me even though I celebrated in a very quiet and private manner with only a few friends."
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In response to message posted by Ameenah:
Assalam Aliakum sister, I kind of understand what you mean by missing the spiritua ...
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I was born and raised Christian, every Sunday my mother although she never went to church nor did I ever see her pray made sure that myself and my siblings were carried off to church in the church bus ...
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