On Tuesday, April 1 after school, the Muslim Student Association at Scotch Plains Fanwood-High School held an Eid al-Fitr celebration for people to come together and commemorate the holiday. MSA hopes to unite all of the small Muslim-Arab communities of SPF so they can all share their culture.
“The Muslim Student Association wants to bring awareness to the community about our culture through activities such as Eid Lftar parties,” Founder and co-president Saman Zeb told The Fanscotian.
Eid al-Fitr is the festival of breaking fast that marks the end of Ramadan, a month-long Islamic fast on self-restraint and reflection. At this time, Muslims can only eat or drink when the sun is set. It begins when a crescent moon is spotted, and ends the same way. This year, Ramadan ended on March 30. The holiday calls upon Muslims to honor their God and reflect on the patience and strength portrayed during the month.
On Eid, Muslims participate in a morning prayer and typically attend a congregation as a mosque. Then they gather with friends and family to sit down for a large feast. This being one of the holiest days of the year, social gatherings are followed by more prayer and spiritual contemplation.
“I take this day to get closer to my family and God. It also gives me perspective on how there are many people who are less fortunate than I am. I’m more grateful for the food on my table now,” Co-president of MSA Irfa Azhar said.
At the event, board members of the club led the group in a discussion about how their Ramadan went and what they wanted to work on for the following year. Additionally, the club provided food to signify the end of the fast and coloring sheets with geometric designs. With the current conflict going on in the Middle East, MSA prioritizes resilience and community among its members. They also advocate for those issues and discuss them at their meetings.
