Photo from rohama.org
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar during which Muslims have no water or food during daylight hours. This year, it took place from June 5-July 6. The month is believed to be the time during which the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) received the revelations which would later become the Holy Quran. For these weeks, Muslims around the world engage in prayer and reflection, are reminded that they are all equal in the eyes of the divine, think selflessly and ask how they contribute to their communities. As a deeply spiritual time, it is a wonderful recalibration of the inner building blocks of peace.
Eid al-Fitr starts with a special prayer asking for Allah’s forgiveness, peace, and blessings for all living beings everywhere. This is followed by rituals such as zakat, the donation to charity, before celebrations commence for one to three days.
Members of the global URI community have embraced Ramadan’s message of peace, taking it as an opportunity to learn more about their Muslim friends’ traditions and work together for interfaith collaboration. We have been heartened to see many interfaith iftar dinners, which mark the end of the daily fast, as well as the messages of solidarity in response to tragic events that have marred this holy month. Peacebuilding comes in many different forms, but bridging our differences is always a good place to start.
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