Muslims around the Arizona valley has been celebrating Eid al-Fitr on July 6, 2016, which marks the end of of the holy month of Ramadan.
The Islamic Community center (ICC) of Tempe and Islamic Center of the East Valley (ICEV) are jointly organizing an event ' Eid Mubarak' to celebrate the festival of Ramadan.
The event is scheduled to be held on Wednesday July 6, 2016 at the Phoenix Convention Center North Hall Rooms A - C (Third Floor) 110 North 3rd Street Phoenix, 85004.
According to the organizers, the gathering timing is 9:30 AM, while the prayers will begin at 10:00 AM sharp. Devotees will have to pay Zakat-ul-Fitr of $10 per person before the Eid prayer. They are asking devotees to pay Zakatu-ul-Fitr at your local Masjid before Eid day for proper distribution to the needy. You can also pay Zakat-ul-Fitr online at www.tempemasjid.com.
The organizers are encouraging you to come early to avoid traffic jam at the entrances and donate generously to defray the cost of Eid prayer expenses.
Ramadan, a festival of fasting, prayers and feasting is one of the most important events in the Muslim calendar.
The festival is celebrated in the ninth month of Hijrah lunar calendar and considered the most blessed month of the year, while the exact start varies from country to country due to moon sightings.
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast during the hours of daylight, means they are not allowed to have any kind of liquid and food at all. Adding this, they also undertake extra prayers and worship as well.
Fasting is an act of Ibadah (worship) during this month. Its basis is found in the Koran which reads: “Oh you who believe fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may attain Taqwa (God-Fearing).”
According to the Qu'ran, the Prophet said: "Whoever does not give up false statements and evil deeds and speaking bad words to others, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (or fasting)." The elderly, children, pregnant women and diabetes sufferers are exempt from fasting in Ramadan.
Muslims celebrated the festival of Eid al-Fitr after the end of a month long Ramadan month. They gather together at the mosque for a prayer, before spending the day with family or friends and wishing one another 'Eid Mubarak', or 'Blessed Eid'.
The preparations for the Eid al-Fitr begins from the first day of Ramadan. People buy new clothes, prepare special recipes and girls and women decorate their hands with traditional henna.
Muslims give thanks to Allah for all the blessings they enjoyed during the entire month of fasting.
Nandini
