By Ancilla Ho-Young, with consultation with Samina Zubari, a member of Burlington’s Muslim community
Muslims in Halton and around the world have just completed the celebration of the end of the month-long fasting of Ramadan. Muslims fast during Ramadan, while being mindful of the significance that the Quran (the holy book) was initially revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during this month. Muslims are required to fast from sunrise to sunset for 30 days and engage in much self-reflection. The end of Ramadan marks the beginning of the three-day holiday known as Eid al-Fitr, translated as “the feast of breaking the fast.”
During this holiday, Muslims greet each other by saying “Eid Mubarak,” which translates to “blessed Eid.” After a month of abstinence and devotion, the festival allows Muslims to reward themselves with what they previously gave up during Ramadan. Eid is a good time to reflect on the month that has just passed and to be happy at having achieved a month of fasting and worship. One hopes that all the good deeds done by a person during this period have earned the pleasure of Allah.
Amid all the reflection and rejoicing, Ramadan and Eid are an important time for charity, also known as Zakat. Eid is therefore meant to be a time of joy and blessings for the entire Muslim community, as well as a time for distributing a portion of one’s wealth.
Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr by visiting the mosque to perform Eid prayers and, following the prayer, most people visit close family and friends where they enjoy the time together in a celebratory manner. Eid day comprises lots of great food, new clothes, gift exchanges, and all other festivities associated with a happy occasion. Eid is celebrated out of gratitude to Allah for having obeyed the commandments in the holy month of Ramadan. Prior to the Eid prayer, Muslims are further required to give out some money to those who are less fortunate or in need. This is a reminder that the fasting has made them more understanding of the needs of others.
In short, it is important to note that Eid is an important holiday and an exciting time for all Muslims in Canada and around the world. Many Canadian leaders each year make statements to wish all Muslims a blessed month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. Although Eid is not a public holiday in Canada, to be inclusive, many workplaces give time off to those observing and celebrating the holiday. As the holiday comes to an end, Muslims around the world continue to better themselves in all aspects and look forward to the next year’s Ramadan and Eid.
