Verily, Allah will help those who help His (Cause). Truly, Allah is All-Strong, All-Mighty.

 ~ Qu’ran 22:40

Eid ul Fitr is and will always be a joyous occasion. This year there will be no exception despite the increased numbers of Islamophobic attacks, hate crimes and racist incidents that have occurred in response to actions by fanatics who do not represent the 1.6 billion Muslims.

A Taste of Ramadan

The words, Eid Mubarak mean a ‘blessed celebration’ and are the words that every Muslims around the world will say as they greet one another on the day. This year as well as in previous years, Muslim leaders both in the UK, United States and Canada have taken a more assertive stance in starting dialogue with non-Muslims to educate and introduce Islam in order to prevent the growth of Islamophbia. This is important in countries where far more of the population does not even know a Muslim person.

In Canada during last year’s Ramadan, a mosque committee invited a group of non-Muslims to fast a few days alongside them to get a taste of what Ramadan is really about. They were able to experience first-hand one of the fundamental religious duties of Islam. It improved religious literacy in showing what true Islam is.

The non-Muslims learned about the holy month of Ramadan. They were an active part of it, from the early morning suhoor to breaking the fast with the Muslim community. Come Eid day, they experienced the emotional high and excitement leaving a positive impression and image of Muslims.

“Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for thy Lord knoweth, best who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance.”

~ Qu’ran 16:125

 

Read  – Al ‘Qu’ran

Reading the Qu’ran is one of the most fundamental things observed within Ramadan, after all it is the month in which the Qu’ran was sent down. Sharing a translation of the sacred text with non-Muslims who genuinely want to read it with interest and not show any disrespect is a great way of opening a door to Islam. They can read at their own pace and understanding, An even better idea is to listen to an audio of someone reciting the Qu’ran, thus enabling them to listen attentively, ponder the meaning and be more aware of Islam.

“This (Qur’an) is a Message for mankind (and a clear proof against them), in order that they may be warned thereby, and that they may know that He is the only One Ilah (God – Allah) – (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), and that men of understanding may take heed. ”      ~ Qu’ran 14:52

Share Eid Happiness

In some non-Muslim societies, hate groups have been showing up outside of mosques taunting and insulting fellow Muslims. One Imam advises that in the wake of increased Islamophobia the Muslim ummah have an obligation to reach out by giving da’wah to non-Muslims now more than ever, to stop the growth of extremist points of view directed at the Muslim community.

Recently, in the middle of a mall, a Da’wah Movement group sought permission to have an Eid display which included the answers to how, when, why, what and where about Ramadan. Literature was printed; volunteers openly spoke to members of the public, many of whom were totally unaware about the auspicious occasion.

“Who is better in speech than he who invites (people) to Allah, works righteousness, and says I am of the Muslims (those who surrender to Allah)?”    ~ Qu’ran 41:33

Partake in the Eid Celebration

Under the guidance of da’wah meaning respect, courtesy and kindness, extend a special invitation to non-Muslims during this holy month of Ramadan to join the ummah to observe and participate in Eid day. In previous years, in New York, USA 50,000 people attended their open-air Eid celebration.

In Birmingham, UK about 80,000 people attended their open-air Eid celebrations. In Toronto, Canada about 15,000 people attend their largest Eid celebration.

These celebrations are open to members of the public and media. They are seen as a way of giving back and spreading the happiness of Eid.

“And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace, ”      ~ Qu’ran 25:63