Eid al-Fitr: Islamic Celebration Marking End of Ramadan.
Eid is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration following a month of renewed spiritual commitment. After a grueling summer month of not eating and drinking during daylight hours for most of the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims, today is cause for celebration and feasting for Muslims as they mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan with Eid- al-Fitr.
Eid al-Fitr means “festival of breaking the fast” and is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims the world over. It’s a day of observance, but also an occasion for Muslims to show their gratitude to God, as well as give alms to the poors. It commemorates the end of Islam’s holiest month of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar in which Muslims adhere to a strict fast observed from sunrise to sunset.
Fasting is viewed as a time to exercise self-control, and as a cleanse for the mind, body and spirit. Many Muslims like the fasting to a spiritual detox, a way to bring themselves closer to God. The fasting is also intended to act as a reminder of the suffering of those less fortunate, who often don’t have access to food and water.
“Unfortunately, this year’s Eid is overshadowed by the many acts of violence we have witnessed in our nation and worldwide, and by the growing Islamophobia that is being promoted and exploited by irresponsible public figures”.I also continue to remember and pay condolences to the hundreds of innocent lives lost due to the terrorist attacks overseas during the holy month in places like Orlando, Istanbul, Dhaka and Baghdad.
On this Eid , I wish that ALLAH’s blessing light up on your path. May this Eid scintillate your life with joy and fulfill your days with the sweet fragrance of happiness.
Eid Mubarak to you and your family…