General News

HPEDSB wishes a Eid Mubarak to students and families

April 17, 2024

By Kaitlin Sylvester

As the crescent moon emerges on the horizon, Muslims around the world join in the jubilant chorus of “Eid Mubarak!” It’s a heartfelt greeting that acknowledges the joy and blessings of Eid al-Fitr, the ‘festival of breaking the fast.’ marking the end of Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. As the sun sets on the final day of Ramadan, families gather in homes adorned with simple decorations, to celebrate and break their fasts.
March 10 marked the first day of Ramadan, a holy month of fasting, introspection and prayer for Muslims, the followers of Islam. Fasting is one of the five fundamental principles of Islam. Each day during Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink from dawn to sunset. They are also supposed to avoid impure thoughts and bad behaviour. Muslims break their daily fasts by sharing meals with family and friends, and the end of Ramadan is celebrated with a three-day festival known as Eid al-Fitr, one of Islam’s major holidays.
The observance of Eid al-Fitr may differ in traditions and customs around the world, but the essence remains unchanged. Families awaken before dawn to partake in a communal prayer, commencing the Eid festivities. Children wearing their finest clothing eagerly await the exchange of gifts and tokens of affection between family and friends. The aroma of traditional delicacies wafts through the air, echoing the rich culinary heritage of diverse cultures.
It is the spirit of generosity and compassion that truly defines Eid al-Fitr for many Muslims. In accordance with Islamic teachings, charity holds a special place during Eid celebrations, with families contributing to Zakat al-Fitr, ensuring that the less fortunate members of the community partake in the joyous festivities. The act of giving extends beyond monetary donation, neighbors extend invitations to share in the Eid feast, extending the spirit of camaraderie and fellowship.
Business around the Hastings and Prince Edward district have posted messages wishing Muslim community members “Eid Mubarak” or “Ramadan Kareem” which translates to “have a generous Ramadan.” This year, Ramadan ended on Monday, April 8 aligning with the first sighting of the new crescent moon. The Moon is significant because the Islamic calendar follows a lunar visibility system; each month begins with the sighting of the crescent Moon in the sky.
While the landscapes may differ, the message of Eid al-Fitr remains universal—a celebration of faith, unity, and compassion. In communities across the globe, amidst the diversity of cultures and traditions, Eid al-Fitr serves as a reminder of the enduring values that unite us all particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. With 99 per cent of Palestinians identifying as Muslim, international calls for a cease fire from world leaders are especially poignant this time of year.
Eid fosters a sense of resilience and hope, encouraging individuals to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and advocate for justice and peace. It underscores the importance of empathy and understanding, transcending boundaries of ethnicity, nationality, and religion to promote harmony and human dignity. As the sun sets on another Eid al-Fitr celebration, Muslims in Canada and around the world pray for peace.