NEW YORK – For American Muslims, `Eid Al-Fitr usually comes to blend different cultures in multifaceted celebrations, when Muslims of diverse backgrounds come together to revel in completing the fast of Ramadan.
Plans and preparation for `Eid prayers and activities by local mosques and families often occur months in advance, and there are some unique challenges that manifest when celebrating this blessed day in a country where Muslims are a minority.
Preparing for the Day
`Eid activities often begin a day or two before the end of Ramadan. As the month nears its end, American Muslims begin planning and shopping for clothes and gifts.
One growing tradition is for women and girls to gather at their local mosques to decorate their hands with henna. There are also `Eid bazaars packed with vendors that provide a safe space for Muslims to shop.
Mosques like the Islamic Association of Long Island have `Eid toy drives to ensure Muslim children have toys for `Eid day.
Getting the Day Off
Every year, millions of American Muslims attain `Eid day off from work and school. Because many Muslims still respect physical moonsighting as the method to mark the beginning and end of Ramadan, there are at least two possible days for `Eid to begin. Consequently, it becomes necessary for many Muslims to explain to their employers and children’s schools the uncertainty about which day they will need off.
“You have to do a lot of explaining,” Diana Michelsen told About Islam. “Sometimes you may still have to work but can get the time off to attend the prayer.”
Where to Pray
Area mosques throughout the country make the necessary preparations to accommodate Muslims attending the `Eid prayer. While `Eid is during warm summer months, some mosques acquire public park spaces for the masses of Muslims participating in the prayer. Other mosques use their facilities.
Larger mosques like Masjid Darul Qur’an in Bay Shore, NY offer multiple `Eid prayers to handle the huge number of Muslims attending the mosque as well as those who still have to work and need to pray earlier.
Security is also a concern. With the growing tide of anti-Muslim sentiment as well as attacks on Muslims and houses of worship, the need for security heightens during `Eid. Abdur-Rahman Partap, who was part of the security detail at his local mosque’s `Eid prayer explained.
“It is important to have a security detail to keep things organized and safe,” Partap told About Islam.
Whether at the local mosque, park, or some other venue, parking lots filled up and streets lined with cars of the some of the over 3 million Muslims living in the country who attended this year’s `Eid prayer.
Family and Friends
Photo by Deloyce Dhoruba
After the prayer, Muslims disperse to enjoy the myriad of activities offered. The American Muslim population is diverse with worshippers from a multitude of backgrounds, including a continually increasing amount of native-born converts. As a result, ways in which Muslims celebrate `Eid vary. Some Muslims chose to spend the day at home with their families while others attended area events.
The richness of American Muslim culture makes the blessed day of ‘Eid even more special.
Masjid At-Taqwa in Brooklyn, NY hosted their annual `Eid Celebration this year with free food, rides, and gifts for children.
The Islamic Circle of North America hosted a “Family `Eid Potluck”. When asked about the reasons for hosting the event, organizer Mohsina Bukhari expounded on the need for Muslims to have a space to gather and celebrate `Eid.
“Growing up here, we have seen the non-Muslim holidays like Christmas, Easter, etc., being celebrated on a large scale,” Bukhari told AboutIslam.
“`Eid was sometimes a lonely experience because the Muslim community was very small and spread out in different places. The potluck was initiated because we know many people without any family here as well as many reverts who have no opportunity to experience the festivities of `Eid.”