Eid Al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month where two billion Muslims around the world fast, pray, and recite the Quran together. In the past, I have often described Eid to my non-Muslim friends as the Christmas of Islam. Kids get Eid presents, we throw parties, and all share a morning prayer at the mosque. In recent years, I have avoided this analogy. The history of Eid and the cultures that celebrate it are unique to the point where no comparisons can be made to any other holidays.

Living in the Bible Belt, I have grown accustomed to the Christian influences that surrounds the area. By doing a quick search on churchfinder.com, I was able to find over 200 churches in Shreveport alone. Comparing that to the MSC Islamic Center, the only mosque in Shreveport, the Islamic community seems almost pitiful, but that is far from the truth. Under the crescent moon of the mosque lie a hundred Muslim families praying in unison, making “dua” for the health of our family members and the forgiveness of our sins. Out of all the prayers throughout the year, this prayer was always my favorite. The imam eased my mind with his recitation, making sure to tell the stories of the Quran in a rich and melodic tone, and we always responded, singing “ameen” in a harmony that echoed with the high ceilings. What I loved most was that when we finished the prayer, we didn’t all just walk out and leave. We took time to go to our friends and family, say “Eid Mubarak,” and hug them three quick times. No where else do I feel this deep feeling of brotherhood and peace.

The peace of the mosque, however, was quickly juxtaposed by the parties that were thrown after. Members of the community, including my family, host house parties with tons of food and music. We wear colorful clothes and try to visit as many houses as possible before the fatigue sets in. My father, who recently moved to Washington D.C. for work, even flew back home to celebrate with us. Unfortunately, with how the lunar calendar lined up with Centenary’s academic calendar, I had to sit out on these parties to study for finals.

That is the reality that I was faced with this year as a student at an American college. In many countries, the academic calendar is constructed to give students a break from school during the month of Ramadan, but Eid is severely overshadowed by Christian holidays in Louisiana. As a result, I fasted during the last few weeks of class and had to miss most of my family’s favorite day. 

None of those hardships, however, made me feel less happy to participate. The Muslim community is strong and ever-expanding, even at Centenary, so it was impossible to feel like I was tackling the challenges alone. I do hope that the Muslim-students of America can spark a change in the US school systems to accommodate our traditions in future years, but for now, I am happy to celebrate this holy day in the present.

Eid Mubarak

Tarif Islam