Eid Mubarak to those who are celebrating!
After a month of abstaining from food and water during the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world are celebrating the end of Ramadan with a feast.
Eid ul-Fitr is one of two major festivals celebrated by Muslims each year, the other being Eid ul-Adha, which falls later in the summer and honours the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son to God. It is also a time for charity, known as Zakat ul-Fitr, when people are expected to give and show kindness.
Eid-Ul-Fitr begins when the first sight of the new moon is seen. This year, it is likely to be celebrated on Friday 21 April. The celebrations begin with giving to charity and prayers in the Mosque. Once Eid prayers are finished, Muslims will traditionally visit their relatives and friends to wish them a happy Eid and often exchange gifts or sweets.
Get Involved:
- Share well wishes with your Muslim colleagues! It is traditional to wish observers “Eid Mubarak” meaning “Blessed Eid”.
- There is a Muslim prayer room on Highfield campus, which the Islamic Society helps to maintain. There are also prayer rooms at the Sir James Matthews Building and the University Hospital. Quiet rooms can be used for prayer at the National Oceanography Centre, the Boldrewood Innovation Campus, and Winchester School of Art.
- On the evening of April 12, staff gathered at the Faith and Reflection Centre for an Iftar meal. Dr Aiman Alzetani, our Muslim Faith Advisor at the Faith and Reflection Centre is keen to connect with anyone who is interested in joining a Multi-faith Staff Network to create a voice for the faith community through empowerment and support. To find out more email Dr Aiman Alzetani on [email protected].