By Imran Malik

As the blessed month of Ramadan comes to conclusion the Muslim community around the world prepares to celebrate one of the two Eid celebrations. Eid Al Fitr follows the three day celebration after Ramadan and Eid Al- Adha follows the annual pilgrimage/Hajj every year. 

Eid in Arabic means “festival” or “feast,” and Fitr means “breaking the fast.” In other words, Eid al-Fitr literally means “festival of breaking the fast.” A common greeting on this occasion in Arabic goes like — Kullu aam wa antum bikhair” (كل عام وأنتم بخير) meaning “May you be well throughout the year” 

The 2 Eid’s in a year are the most major Holidays of Islamic tradition around the globe.  The celebrations include large morning prayer gatherings, followed by festivities of food sharing, visitng family and friends as they host open houses through out the 3 days of celebration. Children receive gifts and often cash in some cultures while in many other cultures it’s mostly gift exchanges and focus on food festivities. 

Among all this a major component of inclusivity is to share your blessings and happiness with those who are less fortunate, especially the ones within your families and community. Islamic acts of ritual and worship are mostly individual in their nature but the impacts are communal, even the actions of celebrations. The idea is that as a believing and practicing member of faith one is always mindful of God’s presence in his/her life and is vested to serve people around them. The focus grows outwards for the centers around family, kinship, neighborhood and community so on and so forth. 

With so much going around the globe from men made conflicts to natural calamities that have impacted global communities, the idea of celebrating Eid becomes more intentional to be mindful of others.

Every act of kindness and best effort to make a difference in someone’s life is the actual goal and essence of Eid — spirit of giving. Ramadan as it departs teaches us social empathy and the fundamental of Zakat (purification of wealth) that’s giving 2.5% in charity every year is actually the fulfillment of that conviction put into action.

 Again, the basic idea is that each member of the society take ownership to help others in need around them. Isn’t that a philosophy that can make the world around us more beautiful and peaceful! 

Wishing a joyous and blessed Eid Saeed to all observers and non-observers alike.

(Imran Malik is an interfaith leader and practitioner of Islamic faith in greater Columbus area.Malik is the cofounder of Safe Alliances of Interfaith Leaders and member of Class of 2023 – Columbus City’s Hall of Fame  Malikiahrs@gmail.com)

Support the New Americans magazine to continue to serve our community with precise news that affects the new American, immigrant and refugee community. https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8LHFS78NRNJJY&source=url