They also donate money to Humanity First, a humanitarian relief organization focused on human development projects and responding to natural and social disasters worldwide.
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| Milton families celebrate Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha. Photo: Michael Ivanin./Milton Canadian Champion |
Source/Credit: Milton Canadian Champion
By Rachael Williams | September 30, 2015
Elegant dresses, henna art and gourmet dishes are just a few elements of the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, or Feast of the Sacrifice. The second of two religious holidays celebrated by Muslims during the last month of the Islamic calendar, it honours the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son.
It’s this tale of ultimate sacrifice that makes Eid more than just a celebration — it’s an opportunity to give to those less fortunate.
“Charity is one of the pillars of our faith,” said Milton resident Safi Rajput, husband to Attia and father of two children, Mukhayyer and Shifa.
The Rajput family belongs to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, a religious sect of Islam. Its motto is “love for all, hatred for none.” To them, charity is something that should last year-round and can come in all different forms, including donating money, picking up garbage or simply offering a smile.
“When you give charity, you are showing that you are not the most important person, you’re not the centre of the universe. Other people matter,” said Ghalib Baten, missionary for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Canada Milton Chapter.
In an interview with the Champion, Safi stressed he’s proud to be supporting those in need in Milton because since his 2012 emigration from Pakistan, he said he’s never experienced such an inclusive community.
“I have seen the Middle East, Europe and Africa, but I haven’t seen such a society anywhere.”
Safi was most impressed when he received an email from his children’s school, Tiger Jeet Singh Public School, wishing his family “Eid Mubarak,” or “Happy Eid,” followed by an offer for his children to stay home that day.
Although Eid is a day that celebrates the spirit of charity, Safi said the real work begins during Ramadan, the Muslim period of prayer and fasting. Beginning on June 18, 2015 and lasting one month, the family wakes up at 5 a.m. every day for morning prayers, and spends the rest of the daylight hours abstaining from food and drink. “When you are fasting, you think of the people who don’t have these privileges. Sympathy quickly turns to charity. Muslims are much more charitable in the month of Ramadan,” said Safi.
And even months after Ramadan ends, the generosity continues. On the day of Eid (September 24), the family participates in an hour-long morning prayer at the International Centre in Mississauga, followed by an extended family gathering filled with gourmet dishes from their native Pakistan. During this feast, a goat is sacrificed and portioned into three – one for oneself and family, one for friends and extended family and one is given away to the needy.
Adults are also required to give their children money, or eidi, and the children are taught to share it amongst those less fortunate.
“Everyone loves their own money. But when you buy something and then just sacrifice it, or just sacrifice your money, you are showing that you are ready to do whatever you have to do in the way of charity. And it starts at a young age,” said Attia.
And it’s not limited to Ramadan or Eid. The Rajput family and members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at donate to charities year-round. Last Christmas, the family donated up to 250 gift bags, filled with toys, calendars and chocolates, to the Milton Seniors’ Activity Centre. Their cousins, Nasir and Shaazia, have been doing this for the past eight years.
They also donate money to Humanity First, a humanitarian relief organization focused on human development projects and responding to natural and social disasters worldwide.
Baten added, he offered the services of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at to help clean up after the Milton Fall Fair this past weekend.
Food drives are always running in local mosques and Baten says the group has big plans for the future, including an upcoming blood drive, a “Bike for Milton” fundraiser and inter-faith dialogues.
“Islam teaches us to be charitable at all times. It also teaches us that charity comes in many forms,” said Baten.
Rachael Williams can be reached at rwilliams@miltoncanadianchampion.com or on Twitter @MiltonReports
Read original post here: Milton families celebrate Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha
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