– Abdul Bari Masoud
Eid al-Fitr is one of the most extensively observed Islamic holidays. Eid, which marks the conclusion of the month of Ramadan, is a celebration of community, compassion, charity, and inclusivity and goes far beyond a religious celebration. People from all walks of life come together on Eid al-Fitr in a sense of solidarity and humanity.
A Celebration for Everyone
On Eid al-Fitr, Muslims reach out to neighbours, friends, and even complete strangers. Social cohesiveness and inclusivity are promoted by this openness.
People from many religions and cultures frequently attend Eid celebrations, share meals, greet one another, and get more knowledge about one another in our multicultural society. These encounters dismantle obstacles and foster respect and understanding between people.
Sadaqa al-Fitr, almsgiving offered to the poor before the Eid prayer, is a significant part of Eid al-Fitr. This action guarantees that everyone can participate in the celebration, irrespective of their financial condition. By helping the less fortunate and making sure that no one is left behind, it embodies the fundamental Islamic values of inclusivity and social responsibility.
On this subject, Radiance solicited views of Islamic scholars and people living in multicultural societies.
Dr Muhammad Mumtaz Ali, who teaches in International Islamic University, Kuala Lumpur, opines: “Alhamdulillah by the blessings of Allah we completed our fasting days during the month of Ramadan and demonstrated our commitment to Islam. We all Muslims the world over fasted in the same month and didn’t divide on this issue. May Allah grant us the same kind of unity and togetherness so that we can solve the problem of WAQF with unity in our beloved country? Ramadan brought us together during Iftar and Taraweeh. I hope Allah will bring us together with the same spirit in all matters. We must remember that we share our views with one another about Allah as our Creator, Rab, our Lord, our Master. We share our views about the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as the Messenger of Allah, about the Quran as the Final Revelation, about the Day of Judgement, about Akhirah, about Hell and Heaven. We are not divided on these issues but integrally we are united in many things. In the same way and with the same spirit we must remain united to face all challenges. We always must remember that Allah, the All-Powerful, Almighty is with us. Every Eid in fact reminds us that we must remain united.
“Think about Eid. What is it? A festival as people of other traditions celebrate or the Day of Thankfulness. We remember that this was the month of Ramadan in which Allah started revealing the Quran, with which the first generation of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ introduced in the world with a new bloodless Revolution. It was the Quran which motivated all the tribes of Makkah and Madinah to unite for the cause of the wellbeing of people who used to fight against each other. We remember that Eid Day is not merely a festival for us to enjoy good food, varieties of sweets and new clothes. No doubt we enjoy all these as gifts of Allah on this unique Day of Eid but we remember that the Quran is the manual for our day-to-day life which, if we understand it and put its teachings into practice, can generate a new energy in our life to fight against each and every munkar [vice] and propagate maroof [good] in our life and society. Hence, we offer on this Day of Eid our gratitude to Allah. For this purpose, we give Sadaqat and care to the poor people around us and offer them whatever we eat. We do not forget our obligations and fulfil our responsibilities. We make a promise with ourselves that the way we remember Allah during the fasting month and obey him by abstaining and taking food, we will obey him throughout the year. We will neither commit wrongdoings nor allow it to prevail in our society. We will take an oath on this Day of Eid that we will teach our children good morals and give them good education. In other words, we will make full use of the Day of Eid to revive the real spirit of Islam. We will prove we are practising Muslims.
“The most important pledge which we will remember on this Day of Eid is that we are Muslim. As Muslims we will be kind and compassionate to others around us as Allah is kind and compassionate to us. We will carry the banner of love and peace in our country and would fail the forces of hate and enmity which want to destroy our beautiful country. May Allah bless us with all these qualities?”
Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr in America
According to Chicago-based Dr. QutubUddin, For Muslims, Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr are not only religious holidays in America’s multicultural and culturally varied country; they are also significant occasions to bond, celebrate, and share the universal principles that bind all people together. These sacred days become moments of harmony where people of all faiths and backgrounds come together to understand, appreciate, and embrace the beautiful spirit of Islam.
Ramadan in America transcends the personal and spiritual – it becomes a community affair. Each evening, families, friends, and neighbours gather to break their fast at Iftar dinners. These gatherings are often shared with non-Muslim friends, colleagues, and neighbours, turning the simple act of breaking bread into a meaningful cultural exchange. It is during these Iftar events that people from different walks of life have the chance to interact, learn about Islamic traditions, enjoy diverse cuisines, and discover the values that Muslims hold dear – compassion, gratitude, humility, and service to others.
Mosques across the US open their doors for nightly Taraweeh prayers, and many hold open houses to welcome anyone interested in learning about Islam. These moments reflect the true spirit of Ramadan: inclusivity, generosity, and an invitation to engage in open-hearted dialogue. Volunteers prepare meals, organise charity drives, and provide services for the needy, embodying the core Islamic belief that helping others is a form of worship.
In America, Eid celebrations often take on a unique multicultural flavour – where traditional dishes from around the world are served, where diverse languages and attire reflect a global Muslim community, and where friends of all faiths are welcomed with warmth and love.
What makes Ramadan and Eid so special in America is their power to bring people together. In a world that often emphasises division, these occasions remind us of our shared values – love, kindness, respect, and the deep desire for peace and harmony.
Eid promotes inclusivity and unity through its community aspects, including as prayers, feasting, and visiting loved ones. It serves as a reminder that humankind is united by shared ideals and life experiences.
Fundamentally, Eid al-Fitr represents the principles of compassion, inclusivity, peace, and harmony that the world sorely lacks. In a time when bigotry and conflict often make headlines, this event serves as a reminder that the real roads to harmony are compassion and unity.
