Thought For The Day – Sunday 30th March 2025
Eid Mubarak
The middle picture above is of The Ka’aba and The Great Mosque in Makkah today.
The first picture above is the inside of the “Herts and Essex Mosque”, Bishop’s Stortford.
Today, Muslims around the world have begun celebrating the festival of Eid al-Fitr, at the sighting of the new moon. The festival will be celebrated for one to three days, depending on country.
Eid al-Fitr, عيد الفطر in Arabic, means literally “The Festival of Breaking the Fast”.
At Eid al-Fitr, the greeting “Eid Mubarak” will be given. This means “Blessed Eid”. It is a festival of faith, family and fellowship.
This festival marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of Islam (a religion which means peace and obedience to Allah), where Muslims resiliently and sacrificially fast (Sawm), with no eating or drinking, in daylight hours. Muslims also particularly focus on Allah and read the Qur’an in this time of devotion.
Islam is a faith of compassion and understanding. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, the ill, the vulnerable, the elderly, and the young are not expected to fast. Ramadan remembers the gift of the Qur’an, God’s Word, Muslims believe, from Allah through the Angel Jibril to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). The revelations began on “The Night of Power” or “The Night of Glory” in Ramadan, remembered last Thursday, and lasted twenty two years. Ramadan also remembers, and empathises with, the poor and those in need.
Eid al-Fitr is a wonderful communal celebration. This will be seen throughout the U.K., and around the world. Muslims rise early, bathe and pray. Cards and gifts are exchanged. Forgiveness is sought and given. Homes are decorated, new clothes worn, food shared, mosques visited, the sermon of the imam listened to. Holy days are holidays. If Muslims can afford to donate, charity (Zakat or Zakah), one of The Five Pillars, like fasting, is given directly to a Muslim charity or collected at a mosque. Allah is thanked, specifically for the gift of the Qur’an.
Muslim beliefs in life after death give guidance, hope, inspiration and support. One of the most beautiful aspects of Eid al-Fitr is Muslims visiting the graves of their loved ones who have passed away. Everyone is always remembered.
Last year, this important festival was in the school holidays. In assemblies this week, with Mr. Munro, and in lunch tomorrow, thanks to Mrs. Miles, Mr. Cooper and the Catering Team, TBSHS will be including our Muslim community at this very special time of year. Thank you also to Mr. Williams for his wonderful support of the prayer room.
“A school for all”.
