Ramadan ends with breaking of fast

Muslims in the Mahoning Valley will celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, or the Festival of Fast-Breaking, this coming week.

Eid ul-Fitr is a holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the lunar calendar, and the beginning of Shaban, the 10th lunar month.

This Eid is a joyful holiday that is celebrated for three days. Muslims start the celebration early with the congregational Eid prayer at the mosque.

This year, our local mosque, Masjid-Al-Khair, will offer the Eid prayers at two different times in an effort to accommodate the growing Muslim population. The early prayer will start at 7:30 a.m. and the latter at 9:30 a.m. Muslims show their gratitude to God for giving them the strength and patience to observe the month of Ramadan with its fasting and increased prayers.

Another important aspect of Eid is Zakat-ul-Fitr, a prescribed donation that is obligatory for every Muslim to give before the Eid prayer. It is calculated as the equivalent of feeding a needy person in one’s region for one day, which helps the less fortunate celebrate and enjoy the Eid as well.

After the prayers, the Valley Muslims try to take some time off from work and school to celebrate the holiday. They usually spend the day visiting their family members, friends, neighbors, the sick and elderly and enjoy the festive meals and sweets. Families may also exchange gifts, with special attention to children.

The typical greeting on Eid day is “Eid Mubarak” or “Happy Eid.”

Randa Shabayek is a member of the Masjid Al-Kheir mosque in Youngstown.