The Muslim Student Association (MSA) commemorated the end of the holy month of Ramadan with the an Eid holiday celebration on Oct. 26 in the Student Lounge.
Students and staff from all denominations attended, socialized, and enjoyed traditional dishes of the holiday, including meat, rice, salads, and desserts.
According to MSA member Osman Sharief, Eid al-Fitr is one of two Eid celebrations. Eid al-Fitr is the celebration held after Ramadan, a holy month where Muslims fast from dawn to dusk.
The second Eid celebration is held two months and 10 days later, and is called Eid al-Adha. The celebration indicates the end of the pilgrimage for those who have traveled to Mecca (the holiest Islamic site). It also honors the Prophet Abraham’s readiness to sacrifice his son Ishmael to God.
Eid al-Fitr begins at dawn, with a personal prayer. Families put on their best clothes, enjoy a small sweet or snack and head off to pray together. The rest of the day is full of celebration, great food and appreciation of friends, family and God. Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim holiday after the holy month of Ramadan, is a joyous occasion.
Sharif said that when students left the Eid celebration, “I hope they think, ‘Wow, I want to find out more about this,'” and went on to talk about how knowledge of this holiday will help people better understand the principles Islam.
Student and MSA member Sidrah Zeb helped to coordinate the event, expecting 50 to 60 people to attend.
In the end, the turn out was higher. Northeastern’s MSA has approximately 50 members, but all students and staff were welcome to partake in the celebration.
Zeb was often heard encouraging curious onlookers to “Join us, please. Have something to eat. Enjoy.” Other students gladly offered their seats to newcomers, and greetings were exchanged between friends and strangers.