Jehana Schwandt: Celebrating Ramadan and Eid Ul Fitr
May 2, 2022
Hello Warriors! I write to you today to share a little about one of my favorite holidays and times of the year. Ramadan and Eid Ul Fitr. Ramadan is the most important time of the year for Muslims. It is a time of reflection, dependent spirituality and prayer (salat), and additional charity (zakat).
As a child, I remember waking up to the smell of breakfast and although tired the energy in our house was always magical. It was calming yet energizing. My parents would prepare our pre-fast meal (Suhoor), we would eat and then pray.
Fasting is a time to nourish not only our minds and body but also our soul. It is a humbling reminder to be thankful for my blessings and the grace of Allah (God) and to ensure that when I can give and help others I should. From sunrise to sunset – Muslims who observe Ramadan fast without food or drink (really, NOT EVEN WATER), and while folks outside my religion may think that this is harsh, to those that fast this is humbling and rewarding experience.
As the month of Ramadan passes we look forward to the night of Power known as Layal Ta Qadr. This night commemorates when God revealed the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) through the angel Gabriel. It is a night of devotion.
This year, Eid Ul Fitr (the festival of breaking fast) will most likely be on Monday, May 2. Eid is based on the sighting of the lunar crescent moon. For this reason, there are some differences around the world in when Eid is celebrated. Eid is a time to dress our best, gather as a large community, pray together, and celebrate. In my family, we gather from home to home traveling the day and eating delicious food. Kids get Eid gifts known as Eidi (typically money). It’s a celebration of togetherness.
I am a firm believer that a celebration is not a conversion so I invite you to learn more and celebrate with your friends, family, and neighbors. Ramadan Mubarak (Blessed Ramadan) and Eid Mubarak (Blessed Holiday).