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| Eid Mubarak To All At End Of The Fast |
| 2006-10-24 |
| Waders required for this puff-love piece. I've refrained form snarking every frickin' line cuz, well, it's not necessary - it is a self-snarking piece of dandelion fluff. TAMPA - For Denise Sloan, Monday marked the beginning of a transformation. "This is the culmination of a lot of hard work and spiritual growth to be a better person than I was last year," said the Sligh Middle School teacher. "I am so thankful to God because I know I am not the same person I was when I started Ramadan." Sloan, a Muslim for 26 years, joined Muslims around the world Monday to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a holiday that ends the strict fast observed during the holy month of Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr, or "the festival of fast breaking," comes after a month during which Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual relations from dawn to dusk to become closer to God. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with gift exchanges, feasts and celebrations. It's also a time for giving thanks to God and alms to the poor, called Zakat. Ramadan's end was a festive affair at the Islamic Society of Tampa Bay on Sligh Avenue, where a morning prayer and carnival drew 5,000 revelers. Many dressed in their holiday best enjoyed midway rides, food and vendors selling everything from incense and oils to jewelry, art and purses. The greeting of the day was Eid mubarak, which means blessed Eid. "We're a minority here" in Tampa, said Ahmed Bedier, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Tampa. "It's important to give our children a sense of awareness of their religion. They see Christmas, Hanukkah and Easter, so it's important for them to celebrate here and to know what it means." Despite the festive mood, the violence in the Middle East wasn't far from Bedier's mind. "How thankful we are to be living in America, to be celebrating our holiday in safety," he said. "While we're grateful we can worship freely here, we can't take for granted all the luxuries and freedoms. We need to continue to educate people and build bridges." Kay Young of Tampa attended the celebration to show her support for Muslims. Although she is not a Muslim, she fasts during Ramadan each year. "It makes me a stronger person," Young said. "I've grown to love the Muslim faith and its people. It's a very compassionate religion, and it helps a lot of poor." One of the hottest venues at the festival was the henna tent, where dozens of young women and girls waited patiently for the chance to sport one of Neveen Nawany's creations. "This is a tradition all women can show off," said Nawany, 15, of her body art. "It's beautiful, and it's perfect for an important celebration like today's." The carnival continues from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today. "I am not the same person I was when I started Ramadan." Hannan Danon, 12, fasted for the month of Ramadan. Her brother Abdullah, 6, fasted for two days. Both celebrated on swings Monday. Natalie Cooper, left, the granddaughter of Denise Sloan, celebrates at the Islamic Society of Tampa Bay with her new friend Layla Vann. The carnival to mark Eid al-Fitr will continue from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today. Rema Hamoyi, 12, holds on tight to Janan Nimer on one of the carnival rides. The holiday also is celebrated with gifts and feasts. Allan's Snackbar? They are happy to be here, far from the killing - cuz there are (now) insufficient numbers for critical mass. Tomorrow, well, we'll leave that to Allan, it seems. I am uplifted. |
| Posted by:.com |
| #1 Handy to a fine airport and the |
| Posted by: Shipman 2006-10-24 11:47 |