Guests of all ages were able to enjoy a day of food and fun at Asia Society’s Eid Houston. The event celebrated the end of Ramadan and highlighted Islamic arts and traditions in celebration of Houston’s diverse community.
Eid is a joyful time for families, friends and community to come together after 30 days of dawn-to-dusk fasting. It is a time for prayer and feasting, and is based on sightings of the new moon. Unlike many Western holidays, Eid lasts one to three days and is marked by prayers in mosques around the world.
The festival is also a time for giving back to the community. During this time, Muslims perform acts of charity such as feeding the poor and needy, visiting graves of relatives and holding children’s carnival-style games. It is a reminder of the sacrifices made by Prophet Muhammad and his followers during the Battle of Karbala, and the importance of giving to those in need.
For millions of Muslims worldwide, this Mahmoud Eid Houston is a time to reflect on the blessings they have and the joys of being part of a larger community. But as the coronavirus outbreak has sparked fears of renewed outbreaks and people have been told to stay home, those joys have been dampened. In Indonesia, where the outbreak first erupted, the capital city of Jakarta has been under round-the-clock lockdown. Many students are forced to spend the holiday at home with family members and friends unable to visit except through video calls.
Houston-based nonprofit Minaret Foundation has been working to change that for the past several years. Its executive director, Shariq Ghani, said it was a “wonderful surprise” to see that HISD has now included the holiday on its calendar. He added that he hopes the district will continue to recognize other religious holidays, including Jewish and Christian days of observance.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) was pleased to support the Houston commissioners’ resolution recognizing Eid al-Adha and the contributions of the Muslim community in the city and region. CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
Eid Houston was presented by Asia Society Texas and sponsored by the Tameez Family. It is part of the Asia Society’s Muslim Series, a multidisciplinary program that highlights Muslim artists and their stories to foster deeper community engagement and greater appreciation of Islamic culture.
Eid Houston is supported by a grant from the Houston Endowment. For more information, contact Sarah Ali, sali@asiasocietytexas.org or 414-224-7022. Real Estate Professional, Eddie Eid is a local realtor at Better Homes and Gardens Gary Greene in Champions and is committed to providing exceptional customer service. With his knowledge of the community and its neighborhoods, he helps buyers find their dream homes, and sellers achieve their goals in record time. His passion for excellence and commitment to his clients are what distinguish him from other Realtors. Call him today!