Eid al Fitr 2002

Muslims Celebrate Eid al Fitr

Staff Writer, Ottawa Muslim Network

December 07, 2002

Eid Mubarak

The month of Ramadan has come to an end and thousands of Muslims in Ottawa congregated at various locations in Ottawa to give thanks for the blessings of this sacred month of the Islamic calendar.

It is also a time to express hope that the Creator will reward bountifully after a month of self-restraint and prayer, and a time for reflection on the year ahead until Ramadan arrives again. The day of Eid Al Fitr, is one of the most important for Muslims as it follows the month of Ramadan, the month of fasting, charity, and self-improvement.

The "takbeer" or Allahu Akbar (God is Great) will have been repeated many times from dawn until the Eid al Fitr prayer is completed and many will have greeted their relatives, friends and acquaintances with Eid Mubarak (Eid Blessings). This would be repeated by Muslims around the globe where the Muslim population is estimated at 1.2 billion.

Eid Al-Fitr prayers were held on Thursday and Friday at various locations to accommodate the growing population of Muslims (estimated at over 70,000) in the Ottawa area. Large crowds congregated at the Civic Centre and Nepean Sportsplex, in addition to arrangements made at local Islamic Schools, mosques, and community centers. Friends and relatives from other cities such as Toronto and Montreal also traveled to Ottawa to share this joyous occasion with those dear to them.

This year Eid al Fitr happens to fall in the middle of the exam period for students. Some students were unable to attend the morning prayer due to conflict with their exam schedule on the same day. However, this weekend will provide the opportunity to celebrate and to get a break from the books.

Imam Gamal Solaiman from the Ottawa Mosque delivered the sermon at the Civic Centre where approximately 5,000 people were in attendance on Friday morning. The theme of the Imam's sermon was the Supremacy of God based on the words "Allahu Akbar", God is Great.

The Imam reminded the congregation that Allahu Akbar is the motto of the Muslims and this term is used often on many occasions; at the time of Eid, to commence the daily prayers and during them, at the time a child is born, at the time of death, and at many other occasions. "This means that Allah (God) is the Greatest reality in our life and in the universe, this means that He is watching over us and we should not be afraid", said the Imam in reference to the difficulties facing Muslims in the current environment.

He continued by saying "there is only One Supreme Being and nobody can share with Him , his Sovereignty". If you are committed to Islam, there is no need to fear any human being but the Creator, as it is essential to please Allah.

Imam Solaiman reinforced the idea that one should have a hopeful relation with his Creator and have complete trust in Him. He said "Allah does not need your prayer, but you need His help and your fellow brother needs your help and charity".

He concluded by saying that we, as Muslims, believe that we can join hands with others in doing whatever is good, and support the whole world and Canada in bringing about peace and prosperity.

Muslims are most generous during Ramadan and the Eid prayers and other activities provide the opportunity for the Muslim community to give their voluntary and obligatory (Zakat) donations.

Many in the Muslim community hope that they are better prepared spiritually to face at least another year. After a month of patience, renewal, discipline, reflection, and intense spiritual activity, their hope is that they are ready to face the many challenges ahead.

Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a time for reflection, devotion to God and self-control.

Muslims look forward to Ramadan as a period of spiritual reflection and renewal. The fast is performed to learn discipline, self-restraint and generosity, while obeying God’s commandments. Fasting (along with the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca) is one of the “five pillars” of Islam. Because Ramadan is a lunar month, it begins about eleven days earlier each year. The end of Ramadan will be marked by communal prayers called “Eid ul-Fitr,” or Feast of the Fast-Breaking.

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is compulsory on every Muslim adult. Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset -- food, drink, smoking and sexual contact are forbidden during fasting. After dark they eat small meals and visit with friends and family. Sick people, travelers, and women in certain conditions are exempted from the fast but must make it up as they are able.

When the fast ends, it is celebrated in a holiday called Eid al-Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast. It is celebrated with special prayers, feasts, sweets and gift giving.

Because Ramadan is a lunar month, it begins about eleven days earlier each year than the Gregorian calendar. Therefore, Ramadan moves through all four seasons about every 33 years.. Throughout a Muslim’s lifetime, Ramadan will fall both during winter months, when the days are short, and summer months, when the days are long and the fast is more difficult. In this way, the difficulty of the fast is evenly distributed between Muslims living in the northern and southern hemispheres.

Demographers say Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in this country and around the world. There are an estimated 1 million Muslims in Canada (70,000 in Ottawa region) and 7 million Muslims in America and some 1.2 billion worldwide.

Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in this country and around the world. Demographers say that Islam will soon be the number two religion in North America. Demographers also say that by the year 2025, one in four people on earth will be a Muslim