Eid Celebration- Conclusion of the Blessed Month of Ramadan
FAJRI ANSARI
The Eid Celebration will take place on either Friday or Saturday, March 20-21st, 2026, depending on the sighting of the new moon of the lunar calendar. “Eid” means “recurring happiness” that commemorates the victory and success of completing the fasting month of Ramadan. Ramadan is one of the five pillars of faith for over 2 billion Muslims worldwide. The other pillars include belief in One G-d (who is referred to as Allah and is also known by Yahweh, Jehovah, Elohim, the Universal Lord and Creator), Prayer 5 times a day, Charity, and making the pilgrimage to Mecca ( at least once in a lifetime for those who can afford to do so).
Muslims have two holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Eid al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and celebrates the return to your original nature (Fitra) and the control over your appetites. It is also a cleansing and return to one’s natural disposition to worship G-d. Ramadan lasts for 29 or 30 days of fasting from sunrise to sunset, without food or drink, and without intimate relations with your spouse. The fasting observer is also to avoid any arguments, bad behavior, or unlawful acts that violate obedience to G-d.
Eid al Adha is the celebration of those who have completed the pilgrimage to Mecca. While Eid al Fitr focuses on the individual victory of human nature discipline over one’s appetite, Eid al Adha represents a global community victory of the human intellect. Each pilgrim or (Hajji) commemorates Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son (Ishmael), a demonstration of their faith in their willingness to sacrifice for G-d.
On the day of Eid al-Fitr, Muslims offer an early-morning prayer followed by a short sermon (Kutbah) encouraging everyone to hold on to the renewed spirit and virtues gained from fasting. Everyone is also encouraged to seek and offer forgiveness for ongoing disputes or misunderstandings. This is followed by sharing gifts and three days of celebration. Muslims are to pay a tax per family member prior to the morning prayers to ensure that the needy and all can partake in the festivities.
The Qur’an 2:152 Allah says, “Then do remember Me: I will remember you. Be grateful to Me and do not turn back on faith.” Prophet Muhammad says, “Create ease for people and not difficulty. Give them good tidings of Allah’s Mercy. Do not make them disappointed or hateful.”
On the day of Eid, Masjid NuMan will provide meals for the first 100 people who come by the Masjid tables set up at 1373 Fillmore Ave, at the corner of East Utica, 14211.