What is Ramadan and why is it important?

• Ramadan is the name of a month. It is important because it is the month the Quran was brought down. Full-stop, that’s it.
  • (I seek refuge in God from the rejected devil.) [2:184] Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was brought down, providing guidance for the people, as well as clear proofs of the guidance and the Criterion. So those of you who have witnessed the month shall fast it, and for those who are ill or traveling, then an equal number of other days. God wants ease for you, and He does not want hardship for you, and for you to complete the count and magnify God for guiding you so that you may be thankful.

What is Eid?

• Eid is the name given to the day that indicates fasting has been completed.

How is Eid celebrated?

• Firstly the celebrations for Eid are not mentioned in the Quran. This means that they are culturally significant not religiously.
• Cultural celebrations I’ve seen observed are:
  • Attending mass prayer
  • Listening to a community leader speak about the past month and how the patience, self-discipline, involvement with the community, etc. should now be formed as a habit. Those habits should also become part of you lifestyle.
  • Spending time with family at different parts of the day to eat, drink, and play games.
  • Taking time to sit in silent reflection
  • Doing something charitable with your time.

How did I spend my Eid?

I went to the zoo with family. We laughed, walked, then ate dinner together.

How did you spend your Eid?

If you don’t observe it were you invited to a meal, and / or, would you be interested in attending a meal?

It would be like inviting your friend to Christmas or Passover dinner. There will be odd moments of “do I eat now” and “What are they saying” but you’ll create amazing memories.

If this is Eid for you – Eid Murabak! Loosely translating to have a blessed Eid.