NEWS RELEASE
AHMADIYYA MUSLIM WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION
*************************
The celebration of Eid-Ul-Fitr is finally here.
After a long month of fasting and endeavours towards spiritual enhancement, Muslims look forward to the holiday of Eid on April 21, 2023.
Eid-Ul-Fitr literally means “the feast of breaking the fast” and it is a day in which all Muslims come together to give thanks to God for enabling them to experience the blessings of the month of Ramadan. On this joyous day, no fasting is done. Instead, Muslims celebrate the day by an increased devotion to prayer, by gathering together to offer a congregational prayer in the mosque. Fun activities are also involved: Everyone dresses up, eats sweet treats prepared specially for the occasion and some even enjoy the application of henna on their hands.
However, the main purpose of Eid does not lie in these entertainments; rather it is a celebration of the strides each individual has taken during the holy month of Ramadan towards self-improvement. It is encouraged to reflect upon the goals achieved during Ramadan and to try to maintain the same trajectory of personal development in the future as well.
Hadarat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper), who is the leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, once stated, “Eid ... is not simply for enjoyment’s sake; rather it has a purpose. Certainly, the blessings of Ramadan can be attained only if a person adopts the pious changes as a continuous part of his life and the joy of Eid will only be attained when we make these changes a part of us forever.”
The aims during the month of Ramadan include improving one’s own spiritual growth through prayer, ridding oneself of personal evils or addictions, giving to the less fortunate and building good relationships with neighbours and the community. Therefore, while we celebrate this blessed day, it’s equally important to remember others around us, such as our dear friends in the community.
Recently, on April 17 and 18, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association hosted a Ramadan and Eid celebration event at the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library. The event was initiated to show gratitude and appreciation to the local community in Bradford. Thus, everything was absolutely free.
Eager volunteers from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association offered their time to beautify the interaction between community members. From intricate henna designs on visitors’ hands to cultural snacks, to a photo op with an oversized stuffed panda decorated with ethnic Pakistani attire, the event was full of activities, which allowed for an opportunity for our neighbours and friends to enjoy and partake in the festivities leading to Eid.
The event turned out to be very successful with 132 guests, two of which were counsellors. Gift bags were handed out to guests.
It’s a great feeling to know that we can share our happiness by celebrating Eid alongside our dear friends in the community.
*************************
