The Muslim holy month of Ramadan is drawing to a close. The Jerusalem Post takes note:
Tens of thousands of Palestinians are to participate in processions, celebrations and cultural evenings to mark Eid ul Fitr, the end of the holy month Ramadan on Thursday. The celebrations are to continue through till Sunday. …
Ramadan can last either 29 or 30 days, depending on when the first moon of the next lunar month is sighted, and the dates often differ from country to country. Over 2.5 million worshipers prayed atop the Al Aqsa Mosque during the entire month of Ramadan, the Al Aqsa Foundation stated on Thursday.
Pope Francis has issued his own message to Muslims to mark Ramadan.
Earlier this week, CNEWA’s chief communications officer Michael J.L. La Civita appeared on Relevant Radio’s The Drew Mariani Show to talk about the Catholic Church’s relationship to Islam.
Ramadan, of course, carries its own customs and traditions, and that extends to the celebration of Eid ul Fitr. Two years ago, the Rev. Elias Mallon wrote about that in ONE:
While Muslims around the world celebrate Eid ul Fitr with early morning prayers, feasts and charity, communities in different parts of the world add their own flare to the holiday. Muslims in different countries — whether in the Middle East, Indonesia, South Asia or elsewhere — celebrate with culturally distinct cuisine, decorations, clothing and activities.
A new and popular Ramadan tradition is for Muslims to invite their non—Muslims neighbors to take part in the iftar or Eid ul Fitr. In some communities in Europe and North America, where Muslims are a religious minority, the iftar has become an important interfaith celebration. What better way to promote interreligious understanding around the world than by sharing the joy of the iftar and Eid ul Fitr?
Happy Eid ul Fitr to all our Muslim friends and neighbors!