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Eid
al-Fitar is celebrated at the end of Ramadan following the sighting
of the Shawaal
crescent on the previous evening. In this year it
will end on December 16, 2001.
The
special month of Ramadan include many happy moments. Ramadan usually
is marked
by
family reunions and celebrations as friends and neighbors gather to
break the fast each
evening after sunset.
Muslims throughout the world are preparing to celebrate the end of
Ramadan, a months-
long time of fasting and giving to charity.
Nevertheless, the case of Palestine is different. Muslims will not
celebrate their Eid al-Fitar
in a happy way. On the contrary, the end of Ramadan
will be for them a sad holiday.
There is nothing to celebrate when kids, women, old people and
teenagers are dying every
day. It is also a day to grieve over loved ones
killed by the Israeli occupation army.
“
How do I suppose to celebrate Eid al-Fitar when two of my children
were killed. How can I
celebrate when I see everyday how members of my family and my
neighbors were killed.
How
do I suppose to celebrate when they are destroying our houses and
stealing our
lands?” said Abu Muhammad.
Normally, Eid al-Fitar it is a time for distributing alms among the
poor and needy, for visiting
friends and relatives, and for exchanging greetings and gifts.
Children typically receive new
clothes or toys. Eid is the spirit of peace and forgiveness
and of making a fresh start in
relations with others.
At least 750 Palestinians have died since the
Palestinian uprising against
Israeli occupation erupted in September 2000.
Eid begins with a special prayer in the morning. Many
families go to the mosque to pray.
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