Image via WikipediaIn an unfortunate coincidence, the end of Ramadan (the Muslim month of fasting) falls on September 10th this year. Why is that unfortunate? Because immediately following Ramadan, Muslims (understandably) have celebrations. And any Muslim celebration on or near September 11th is going to be fuel for the fire of Islamphobia because we are going to be told Muslims are celebrating their "conquest" of September 11, 2001.
Ramadan is a month of self-denial where Muslims fast from sun-up to sundown having nothing to eat and drink (not even water). It is a very difficult spiritual discipline and when it's over, it's time for Eid ul-Fitr (or simply Eid).
Eid is celebrated in different ways in different parts of the world. My understanding is our local Islamic Center wants to have a day at Kings Island to celebrate. But, in sensitivity, they have decided to work around September 11th (this coming Saturday). It's too bad they have to even think of doing that.
In the United States, Eid is typically marked by:
Most of the Muslims in the USA take a day off from work and go to prayer in big city Islamic centers, convention halls, or open parks. Muslims from different cultures with multi-national costumes get together for prayers and celebrations. In some cities, prayers are done in multiple times to accommodate all the people. Generally, people visit each others houses on the Eid day. During the weekend of the Eid week, Muslims join big parties sponsored either by Islamic center or a wealthy Muslim in a community. Children receive gifts. Delicious sweets and spicy dishes are served. Wealthy Muslims donate money to less fortunates. Sometimes, Muslims reserve amusement parks or Ice-Skating Rinks for a whole day fun and celebration.
So, get ready. Soon we'll be hearing that Muslims around the world are celebrating the murders that took place on September 11th. In actuality, they will be celebrating the end of a very difficult month of spiritual discpline.
3 comments:
Thanks for the heads up Brian! Its always good to know whats really going on behind the news stories and our media. Ill be sure to pass this information on if the time calls for it.
Thanks, Brian. I've even seen some Imams asking that celebrations be toned down or rescheduled.
Gee, I wonder why people might possibly think that about Muslims--is that what happened when the Centers went down, and we saw Muslims all over the world dancing in the streets? Was that simply the last day of Ramadan celebrations?
I think its mighty sensitive of Imams to ask the celebrations be toned down or rescheduled; it'd be nice to see some sensitivity coming from Islam for a change. --rhonda
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