Every year, almost 2 billion Muslims  celebrate their accomplishment after a month of prayers, devotion, and self-control. Eid al-fitr marks the end of the Islamic holy month of fasting, Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr translates to, the festival of breaking fast. During Eid al-Fitr, Muslims take part in special morning prayers called Salat al-Eid at the mosque. Muslims donate money and food to ensure no person is left hungry on the day of Eid al-fitr. Dressing up nicely or buying new clothes is also a very big tradition on Eid.                                                                                          Many students at Glasgow celebrate Eid and they shared how they celebrate Eid al-Fitr. Maya Abdul, an 8th grader at Glasgow Middle school shared, “Me and family usually wake up in the morning and go to the mosque. At the mosque, we pray and donate money. The mosque is always super packed with kids, adults, and the elderly. When you go to a mosque on Eid day, you usually see people handing out treats, gifts, and money. When I come back home, there are so many people at my house waiting to be fed. We have a big breakfast with many foods that were cooked by my family and other families who came to celebrate with us.” 

 Bisma Aftab is also an 8th grader at Glasgow middle school and she said, “Since I don’t have a very large family here, we usually celebrate it the same every year. My father lets us get whatever we wish, my mother cooks a lot of food, we invite whatever family we do have here and we give each other gifts.  But from what I heard from my mother in my home country, Pakistan, everyone dresses up and gives each other money and candy. Everyone gets together and has a feast.”

Bisma shared that, “I would explain Eid Al-Fitr as a Muslim holiday to celebrate a month of fasting. It’s kind of like Christmas and Halloween mixed together, but no costumes or trees.” Maya shared, “As a Muslim, Eid is a holiday where you get to spend time with mostly family and friends. Eid is a huge and fun celebration where families can get together, eat, play, laugh, pray, and last but not least, you get to dress up! It is so humbling to see so many other Muslim brother and sisters celebrate this special holiday.”

There are many Muslim students that go to school at Glasgow and as the friends, classmates, teachers and counselors of the people that celebrate this holiday. We should culture ourselves and learn about this beautiful holiday from their own words. It doesn’t mean we should treat them differently than anybody else but with respect while they fast, celebrate and express who they are. Make sure to wish your Muslim friends Eid Mubarak!