Eid 2019

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     On June 4th and 5th the Muslims and individuals who participate in the celebration of Eid, marked the completion of Ramadan. This year I thought about the moon sighting debate through a different perspective. While I believe that celebrating on a day where all Muslims are in agreement with the Moon sighting is best, the different days were also in a sense accommodating. As those who could not celebrate or attend a prayer gathering on June 4th, were able to pray on June 5th. The accommodating perspectives where also once again met with many emotions attached to the celebration itself. Through the changing of relationships over the years, and to the present day. Celebrations are a time to get together, be with loved ones, family, friends. But just as we desire to care for the homeless, the one who are not as fortunate during the major western celebrations such as Christmas; during festivals such as Eid, this is also a time where many in these type of circumstances are left out or forgotten. Which is why we turn to the spirit. The spirt is the essence of any celebration. These are also times of forgiveness, where one puts differences aside, to offer a spiritual gesture of a loving embrace, generosity and healing. 

    Throughout life, how celebrations are celebrated will often change, or remain the same, as to how relations grow, change and progress. Whilst I continue to remain grateful for the times of happiness, and capturing happiness, this years celebration was also a time of remembrance of ones root. It was also time to come to the realization that religion is a form of social organization, that can prepare the soul and body for moral grounding, and spiritual growth. A person/s who desires to enter the teachings through a religious base, should never be targeted of vicious, hateful acts. Because the reality and testing grounds of religion, any religion, is to be able to share the teachings, with love and compassion. As a preparation for the soul and body without installing hate for others; who practice and preach differently. This should be the goal of moral / spiritual institutions. To strip away from what the terrorist desires - and to stand in love and peace. To preach love and peace.

     It is with these words, I would like to take the time to thank the institution I attended on June 5th 2019 for the Eid prayer, gathering and welcome from the community. The loving words, generosity, and embracing Eid spirit - revealed that kindness, compassion and forgiving spirts, are truly alive and well. A sign, a gesture and an example of communal hope. A reminder of my root. Our mother, father and family. 

     God bless you all, and may God give you the strength to do the will of God. To do God's purpose. This thought can be transferred to all human beings and institutions who prepare the human for moral / spiritual growth, that is an integral component to the human being, and humanities growth. 

My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :)

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on June 6th 2019.
Image 1 - Weblink
Image 2 - Slide show from personal photos
Image 3 - Web Link