The exact date of Eid Al-Fitr is not yet known, but it is expected to fall on September 10th or 11th, according to the Islamic lunar calendar. Noting the coincidental overlap with 9/11 memorials and observances, American Muslims are concerned about misunderstandings that may develop as Muslims celebrate this special holiday marking the end of Ramadan.
Eid celebrations are traditionally low-key anyway, focused around mosque prayer services and family visits. But leaders in some U.S. communities also organize children's carnivals or family days at local amusement parks for the holiday.
This year, the Council on American-Islamic Relations has issued an advisory for U.S. mosques to review their security procedures. Several of the largest Islamic organizations in the U.S. are encouraging Muslims to participate in a grassroots community service campaign on that day ("Muslim Serve"). Imams in New York mosques are planning sermons for the day on the theme of loss and grief. The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) has postponed its annual "Muslim Family Day" at Six Flags to September 12-18th.
One of the founders of ICNA's Muslim Family Day, Tariq Amanullah, worked in the World Trade Center and was killed on 9/11, one of a few dozen Muslim victims of the terrorist attacks.
Muslims are asking themselves: Can we still be joyous on Eid, if it falls on the anniversary of 9/11?
Responses generally fall into two camps:
- Yes, let's celebrate Eid. It is not our fault if it falls on September 11th. We have nothing to feel guilty about. One has nothing to do with the other, although hate-mongers may try to make a connection.
- Yes, let's celebrate Eid. But let's tone down our celebrations out of respect for those killed on 9/11, and to help prevent backlash to our own communities if our celebration is misunderstood (ignorantly or deliberately) in today's political climate.
Which do you think is the best approach?
During the last ten days of Ramadan, Muslims seek and observe what is known as the "Night of Power." Muslims worldwide spend these last ten nights of Ramadan in solid devotion, retreating to the mosque to read Qur'an (i'tikaf), reciting special supplications (du'a), and reflecting on the meaning of Allah's message to us.
Eid Al-Fitr (Festival of Fast-Breaking), marking the end of Ramadan, is expected to fall on the 9th or 10th of September in most places. Don't forget to pay sadaqa al-fitr to help ensure that all families are able to fully celebrate and enjoy this holy time.
The New York Daily News today published a letter from Julie Menin, the chairperson of the Lower Manhattan Community Board 1. This local advisory group approved plans for Park51, or the so-called "Ground Zero Mosque," back in May. In her letter, Ms. Menin stands by the community board's decision:
The lower Manhattan community board 1 chair, Community Board 1, voted overwhelmingly to support the Islamic cultural center to be built two blocks away from Ground Zero when the project was presented to our board in May.
I stand by my vote.
Continuing, she recognizes the emotional debate that has erupted nationwide about the placement of this community center.
That said, the project has now become a symbol of discord and dissidence, the white hot emotional center of a volcanic shouting match. Raw nerves have been exposed on both sides of an ugly religious and ethnic divide - and the gulf between supporters and opponents has only grown with each protest, each argument, each accusation.
In light of this firestorm, Ms. Menin recognizes that a compromise may be necessary. But rather than "move the mosque" as many have called for, she proposes a compromise that would preserve religious rights, honor those who were killed and injured, and heal the rift that has developed among those of diverse faiths:
The mosque and community center near Ground Zero should not be enshrined as a battleground of discord, but rather be transformed into an inter-faith center for reconciliation and peace-containing nondenominational houses of worship to be shared by Muslims, Christians and Jews. Its purpose - to bring us closer together, not split us further apart - could be reaffirmed in modified plans.
Under this idea, there could be, as currently planned, two floors for the mosque - but there could also be a floor dedicated to an inter-faith, nondenominational space. In addition, a major national or local organization dedicated to spreading religious tolerance could establish a meaningful presence there. There are many such reputable groups that would surely welcome the opportunity to help heal.
The project, open to all, would celebrate all faiths and inter-faith understanding.
Ms. Menin's proposal is similar to one I suggested last week, in a discussion on this topic in the About Islam Forum. She also points out, correctly, that a similar yet smaller interfaith center has been built at the Pentagon's "ground zero" with no controversy or debate. The Pentagon space, built in 2002 only 80 steps from where American Airlines Flight 77 hit the Pentagon and killed 184 people, is used for prayer by Christians, Jews, Hindus, and others. Muslims pray there five times a week. So there is a precedent.
The Park51 planners have said that the architectural plans and design are not yet finalized, and are subject to revision. Local leaders in lower Manhattan really wants this center to be built, in order to meet wider community needs. Tweaking the building plans to make the center more of an interfaith community center could possibly meet everyone's needs, as Ms. Menin expresses in the close of her letter:
The proposed Park51 cultural center offers many benefits, including recreational, cultural, educational and meeting facilities that our growing lower Manhattan community needs. And a floor or two devoted to celebrate Jewish, Christian and Muslim worship in a nondenominational setting would not simply help to overcome divisions, but serve as a model to the world of the resourcefulness, harmony and strength of this city, and this nation of immigrants we call America.
What do you think? Is a compromise called for? If so, would such a revision of the building plans be an acceptable alternative for all?
A reader emailed me this week with the following question:
I just wanted to know why in Haram they pray 20 rakats for taraweeh and in other masjids they pray 8. Can you clarify my doubt?
Yes, there is some difference of opinion among some people about how long the taraweeh prayer is supposed to be. In most mosques, including the Haram in Makkah, the taraweeh prayer is 20 raka'ats (cycles of prayer). Some others claim that it should be 8 raka'ats. For more information, and details about the evidence in support of each opinion, please read further.
One thing is clear, however. It is undisputed that when praying taraweeh in congregation, one should start and stop with the imam. Whether he is performing eight, twenty, or even more raka'at, one should not leave before the imam has finished. If you would like to pray more than the imam does, then you may continue individually after he ends the prayer. The night prayers in Ramadan are a special blessing, and one should not cause disruption or doubt among the ummah over this difference of opinion.
