Eid ul-Fitr Mubarak!
Dear colleagues and friends,
Eid ul-Fitr (also spelled Id al-Fitr or Eid al-Fitr) is an important celebration for the Muslim community in Canada and around the world. This year, it will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic Hijri calendar (01 Shawwal 1445). It marks the end of the month-long fasting of Ramadan and the start of a feast that lasts up to three days. Eid al-Fitr is a joyous occasion but its underlying purpose is to praise God and thank Him for the good fortune and blessings, according to Islamic faith. Old wrongs are forgiven, any bitterness and grudges are set aside for good to renew relationships and charity is given to the poor.
This event involves many Muslims waking up early in the morning and praying either at an outdoor prayer ground or a mosque. People dress up in their finest clothes and adorn their homes with lights and other decorations. Special foods are prepared and friends or relatives are invited to share the feast. Gifts and greeting cards are exchanged and children receive presents or cash.
Muslims will gather in their places of worship to pray for peace in the Middle East and other trouble spots around the world. They will pray, and commit to playing their role to fight hunger, disease, and homelessness.
Although it is not a holiday in Canada, many Muslims take at least one day off to celebrate Eid ul-Fitr. If you have Muslim friends or colleagues, you can wish them “Eid Mubarak”, which is an Arabic term but commonly used by all Muslims and conveys the meaning of ‘Happy Eid’ or ‘Blessed Eid’.
If you would like that we highlight a cultural event to create awareness about the rich cultural diversity of Canada, please do not hesitate to write to me. That way, we all learn about each other, to promote mutual understanding, respect, and collaboration.
Stay safe, stay well!
Respectfully,
Waheed Khan
President, National Consultation Team