0The Islamic holiday of Eid, meaning festival or fest, commemorates the end of Ramadan, the religion’s holy month of fasting.
During Ramadan, the faithful abstain from food and drink from sunup to sundown.
The Islamic population in California is estimated be around 500,000, yet over 1.8 billion people celebrate Eid worldwide, making it one of the biggest religious festivals in the world.
This year, Eid was celebrated on the evening of March 30, which is determined by the sighting of the waxing crescent moon.
“Eid Mubarak, California! As families and communities come together to mark the end of Ramadan, may this day be filled with peace, gratitude, and shared blessings,” Gov. Newsom posted on Twitter March 30 with a video featuring him and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom commemorating the celebration.
“As the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close and people break their fast, we wish everyone a happy Eid,” the Governor began the joint message.
“Tonight, families around the world come together in celebration and gratitude,” Siebel Newsom continued in the video.
“So, we want to express our thanks and gratitude to California’s Muslim community, an integral part of California,” the Governor continued. “You hold yourself to a higher standard as reflected this last month of fasting and your deep commitment to faith and community does not go unnoticed.”
Islamic tradition teaches that Eid originated with the prophet of Islam, Muhammad in 624 AD. According to the Quran, Eid was established in Medina, Saudi Arabia, after the prophet moved from Mecca. It was during his arrival and subsequent time in Medina that he saw people commemorate two days where they participated in feasts, recreational activities, and occupied themselves with joy and togetherness. Upon observing this, he stated that God had created two days of festivity following Ramadan: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha – the two official holidays Muslims now celebrate today. California Black Media spoke with Sacramento native Jibril Kyser to share his experience fasting during Ramadan this year, the lessons he’s learned and the significance of Eid.
“It’s an incredible experience because it showed me how powerful this period of fasting and consistent prayer is for the mind and the spirit,” said Kyser. “It helps me to channel my energy into where it should be.” A typical day for Kyser during Ramadan begins around 4 a.m. He prepares a meal and hydrates to give his body some sustenance. His fasting begins when the first rays of light hit the horizon and lasts until sunset. Please visit www.cablack.org to read more.