By Ghazala Hayat
Most of the people are familiar to some extent with Ramadan; the obligatory fasting from dawn to dusk for Muslims. Few know that at the end of Ramadan we have one of the two holiest days of celebrations, Eid-ul Fitr observed by Muslims all over the world. As we follow the lunar calendar, each year the Ramadan and Eid celebrations move 11 days earlier. So if it seems like Ramadan is coming "earlier and earlier' there is some truth to that. Ramadan is celebrated each year in many places including White House, but Eid-ul Fitr usually goes unnoticed.
Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam which encompasses the basic principles of Islam: compassion for poor and understanding the hardships of poverty, charity, patience, devotion and resoluteness to our faith. Fasting teaches us to get closer to God, and thank Him for his blessings. We are commanded to stay away from worldly desires and dedicate the month in praying and helping others. It is a "renovation" of our faith and it creates a stronger bond with God.
We are very close to the end of the month of Ramadan, which started on August 1st and will be celebrating Eid-ul Fitr more than likely on Tuesday August 30th. Eid is an Arabic word meaning "festivity," and Fitr means "original nature," implying returning to best human spirit. For Muslims the Eid-ul Fitr or in short Eid is an occasion showing gratitude to God, praying to Him, giving charity and enjoying with family, friends and community.
Muslims in America will be taking day off, you might see them congregating in their places of worship or more likely in community centers as thousands of Muslims gather in the morning to pray and thank God for giving us the blessings of the month of Ramadan, health, family, sustenance and much more. We are commanded to pay charity "sadaqah al Fitr" ( charity of fast breaking) on behalf of every member in the family even if he/she is one day old before the Eid prayers and preferably in the month of Ramadan so that the less fortunate can also celebrate this joyous occasion.
The night before Eid usually families get together to celebrate "night of moon", ladies adorn their hands with Hina, clean houses, cook special dishes and get ready for the celebrations. We wear new or best clothing on the day of Eid, eat something sweat before leaving for the prayers and afterwards celebrate with family and friends. Gifts are given to relatives and especially children; depending upon the local cultures it is usually cash (very much appreciated by teens). We visit our relatives, friends and acquaintances and say "Eid Mubarak" (blessings of Eid). It is also recommended to visit the graves of our relatives to pray for the departed souls.
For most of the first generation Muslims in America this happy occasion also brings sadness as most of our family is abroad.
So this coming week, work place and schools will be accommodating absence of Muslims and you might see them going in groups for the prayers while you are heading for work. Wish them "Eid Mubarak" and celebrate the diversity of our great country.
Ghazala Hayat is a professor of Neurology & Psychiatry at St. Louis University. She is board member of Interfaith Partnership/Faith Beyond Walls and Chair person of Public relations committee of Islamic foundation of Greater St. Louis. She has also served on board of YWCA.
Source: www.stltoday.com
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