In many Muslim countries, Eid is celebrated for three days with government sanctioned holidays but here in the U.S, since Eid is not recognized as a federal holiday local Muslims either take the day off from work/school or go back to work after the Eid Service.
Source/Credit: Atlanta Muslim Examiner
By Saima Ahmad | July 17, 2015
After a month long fasting in the Islamic month of Ramadan, Muslims across the globe join in the festivities of “Eid ul Fitr”, also known as the “Feast of Fast-Breaking”.
During Ramadan, the Muslim faithful practice patience and restraint from eating and drinking for the sake of God and focus on spiritual fitness.
“Eid-ul-Fitr is a festive time for all Muslims to be joyful for what they have after a month of sacrifice,” said Wasim Ahmad Malik, Vice President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA. “We are encouraged to celebrate it with our family as well as the less fortunate members of the community,” he further remarked.
Ramadan gives each Muslim the opportunity to reflect and to work on self-purification at his own personal level. But, when the whole Muslim Ummah (community) works towards its spiritual goals, it brings a sense of collectiveness and unity to the community.
“Eid is a unique celebration since we get to meet so many people at once. It brings a good sense of unity”, says Mehwish Pall of Lawrenceville, a Georgia State student.
It is also important to note that apart from this month of fasting, Muslims can fast at any time of the year but it is recorded that the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) would eat a few dates before going for Eid prayer and forbade fasting on Eid.
Eid Day (first day of the month Shawwal) usually begins with special Prayer performed in congregation. Like Friday Prayer, the Eid Prayer is always done in congregation and it is different from the five daily Prayers since there is no “Adhan” (call to Prayer) made for this prayer. The “Eid-Gah” (Eid venue) may be a mosque, a hall or even an open space that could accommodate the expected number of people. The Eid Prayer is followed by a sermon. Then it is time to greet each other by saying “Eid Mubarak” while exchanging hugs.
After the service, it is time for get-togethers and family reunions.
In many Muslim countries, Eid is celebrated for three days with government sanctioned holidays but here in the U.S, since Eid is not recognized as a federal holiday local Muslims either take the day off from work/school or go back to work after the Eid Service.
It was Sunnah (practice) of the Prophet of Islam to wear new clothes on Eid Day.
Muslim children especially look forward to Eid ul Fitr since they receive “Eidee” (Eid gift) from their elders. In some parts of the world this Eidee comes as money while in others it takes shape of actual gifts and candy just like on Christmas.
Islam emphasizes Muslims to be charitable and compassionate towards those who are poor and needy all year long. In Ramadan they are encouraged to increase in charity manifold to receive extra blessings from God. This year, young girls from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (GA Chapter) organized a Food and Fund drive to support the Atlanta Community Food Bank and raised hundreds of dollars and food donations.
In addition, throughout Ramadan and before Eid Day, Muslims are reminded to help those who are less fortunate than them and a special charity fund “Fitrana” is collected at a prescribed rate from each family from the community (including new-born children) so that poor and needy are able to enjoy Eid celebrations as well.
Read original post here: American Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr | Saima Ahmad
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