Eid al-Fitr; Joys Amidst Struggle
By Samaya Maharaj, senior
Eid Mubarak! is a phrase commonly known within the Islamic community worldwide. Around this time of year, Muslims celebrate the end of a month-long dawn-to-sunset fast of Ramadan. However, this year of 2024 comes "at a moment of intense pain," as President Joe Biden acknowledged in his annual Ramadan message. While some are fasting in the comfort of their homes, the resilience and spirit of the Palestinian people shine through as they navigate joy amidst struggle.
Credit: AFP via Getty Images
In the midst of the challenging political landscape, Palestinians embrace Eid with solidarity and unity. The spirit of community shines through as neighbors come together to share meals, exchange gifts, and offer prayers of gratitude. Despite the hardships they face, the bonds of family and faith provide solace and strength during this sacred time. Traditional Eid customs, such as wearing new clothes, may not be available. However, attending prayer services are observed with reverence and joy in Palestine. Even though their fast is broken with grass soups or boiled rice and sauce, every dish is infused with love and tradition, a symbol of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
As the call to prayer echoes across the land, Palestinians gather on and next to the rubble of mosques, homes, and public spaces to mark the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid. The spirit of hope and faith permeates the air as they pray for lives that have been lost, a brighter future, and a soon-lasting peace in their homeland. In the face of adversity, Palestinians draw strength from their rich cultural heritage, their deep-rooted traditions, and their unwavering faith. As they celebrate Eid amidst struggle, their spirit serves as a beacon of hope for a better tomorrow.
As the world turns its attention to Eid celebrations around the globe, let us not forget the resilient spirit of the Palestinian people. The mothers and fathers who have lost children; the boys and girls who have lost parents and siblings; the people who have lost whole communities and their right to breathe fresh air. May their prayers for peace, justice, and freedom be answered, and may their celebrations be a testament to their unwavering strength in the face of adversity. Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating, near and far.