(OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 5/22/2020) — On or about Sunday, May 24,* Oklahoma Muslims will celebrate the Eid ul-Fitr (EED-al-FITTER) holiday marking the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan, while communities nationwide are restricting public activities due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
[NOTE: Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other sensual pleasures from break of dawn to sunset. *Because dates may vary, consult local mosques or Muslim community leaders for exact dates and nature of Eid ul-Fitr activities.]
Eid ul-Fitr is the first of the two major Muslim holidays. The second holiday, Eid ul-Adha (EED-al-ODD-ha), comes near the end of the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca.
During Eid ul-Fitr or “feast of fast breaking” holiday, Muslims would normally offer public prayers, exchange social visits, and seek to strengthen family and community bonds. During this holiday, Muslims greet each other by saying “Eid mubarak” (EED-moo-BAR-ak), meaning “blessed Eid,” and “taqabbalallah ta’atakum,” or “may God accept your deeds.” In past years, many communities also held multicultural bazaars and other family activities following communal prayers.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related shelter-in-place orders, the Muslim community is not hosting these or other in-person social events this year. Instead, a number of local mosques and organizations will host online celebrations.
Adam Soltani, Executive Director of CAIR Oklahoma said in a statement:
“This has been a Ramadan like never before, one where many Muslims worshiped in solitude. Now, as the month ends and we look forward to Eid, it too will be a unique experience. We pray the Muslim community stays safe and healthy during the holiday and enjoys their time while abiding by local restrictions.”
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.