The conclusion of the Islamic month of fasting (Ramadan) is called Eid-al-Fitr. Eid has been formally announced for Friday 15 June by the ANIC – Australian National Imams Council.
Many Muslims in Australia celebrate Eid al-Fitr on the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar. It marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan and the start of a feast that lasts up to three days in some countries.
Eid al-Fitr is an important Islamic holiday for Muslim communities across Australia. Sheer khurma (a dish of dates cooked in milk) is usually eaten in the morning of Eid al-Fitr.
It is a busy time for mosques throughout Australia, where worshippers flock for early morning prayers. Many Muslims dress in their finest clothes and adorn their homes with lights and other decorations. Old wrongs are forgiven and money is given to the poor.
Special foods are prepared and friends or relatives are invited to share the feast. Gifts and greeting cards are exchanged and children receive presents. Eid al-Fitr is a joyous occasion but its underlying purpose is to praise and give thanks to God, according to Islamic belief.
On the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, the Chair and Members of Religions for Peace Australia convey our warmest wishes to our Muslim friends around the world. This holiday marks the culmination of Ramadan, a holy month in which many experience meaning and inspiration in acts of fasting, prayer, and charity.
On Eid al-Fitr, Muslims in Australia and around the world celebrate the completion of their fast and commitment to compassion and goodwill. At all the places around the globe we work for cessation of armed conflict, reduction of human trafficking and forced migration. We recognise this occasion as an opportunity to work with one another to build peaceful and prosperous world where all live at peace, side by side.
I wish you all a blessed holiday.
Eid Mubarak.
Sincerely,
Desmond P Cahill
Chair,
Religions for Peace Australia
