Celebrating Eid
This article will take approximately 2 minutes to read
Published 4 Apr 2024 in Raising Awareness
In today’s article, we join all Muslim colleagues in celebrating Eid, which will be celebrated globally next week (starting 8th April 2024). Learn more about the festivity, remarkable colleagues who have volunteered and how you can celebrate with fellow Muslim colleagues.
The date of Eid is actually not confirmed until close to the time, as it’s based on the sighting of the New Moon, which signals the arrival of a new Islamic month, and the day of Eid. This year, the new moon sighting is estimated for 10th April 2024.
Eid is a time of joy, reflection, and community, marking an important period for our Muslim colleagues. This article aims to illuminate the essence of Eid, share insights into its celebration, and offer guidance on how we can all share the festivities and celebrate with Muslim colleagues.
So, what is Eid?
Eid is celebrated twice a year by Muslims around the world.
The first, Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, reflection, and prayer. Eid al-Fitr, or the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," is a day of joyous celebration.
The second celebration, Eid al-Adha, known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," occurs approximately two months later. Eid al-Adha also coincides with the culmination of the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca that all Muslims are encouraged to undertake at least once in their lifetime, if they are able to.
How is Eid celebrated?
Eid celebrations begin with a special prayer service that is performed in a large congregation, often in an open space or a large hall. The day continues with Muslims visiting relatives and friends, sharing meals, and giving gifts to one another.
Doing Good Together during Ramadan!
Here at Your Co-op, all colleagues get volunteering hours to use each year.
Since Ramadan is a month of helping those less fortunate, some of our Inclusion Allies used their volunteering hours to attend As Suffa Outreach, a charity organisation in Birmingham City Centre, which serves hot food and drinks to the large homeless population in the area.
(L-R) - Reece Leel (Diversity and Inclusion Partner), Soniya Ali (HR – Inclusion Ally for Religion), Amina Imran (Food – Inclusion Ally for Religion), Amar Leel (HR – Inclusion Member)
The group pictured above spent 3-4 hours at the very busy (and messy…) hot drink station, serving the homeless population tea, coffee, and hot chocolates on a cold rainy night in Birmingham.
It’s extremely important for Society Colleagues to volunteer and support their local communities, and this is just one way that Diversity and Inclusion can be weaved into community work.
How can I celebrate with my Muslim Colleagues…
1. Learn and Share – take this article as an opportunity to learn about Eid and share with others.
2. Greetings – A simple “Eid Mubarak” which means “Blessed Eid” is the perfect way to acknowledge festivities to your Muslim colleagues.
3. Support Flexibility – if you are a manager, it’s important to understand that this period is significant for your Muslim colleagues. Supporting flexible working around religious holidays, in any way possible, is a great way to support your colleagues.
4. Contribute to Charity or Volunteering – As mentioned above, Eid is a time of giving. Organising a collection, volunteering work or charity donation can be a meaningful way of celebrating Eid with your colleagues.
Thank you for reading today’s Inclusion Allies article on Eid…we hope you have enjoyed it and learned something new.
If you wish to contribute towards an article like this, or for any religious celebration of your own drop a line to - DiversityAndInclusion@midcounties.coop.