‘It doesn’t seem right’: Muslim Americans observe muted Eid amid Gaza war
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NEW DELHI: This year, Muslims around the world are celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr under a cloud of somberness, deeply influenced by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza. Traditionally a time for joy, reflection, and community, Ramzan and Eid spirit has been significantly muted as Muslim communities worldwide grapple with the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Gaza Strip, where over two million people face the threat of famine.The conflict, which has claimed more than 33,000 Palestinian lives, has imbued the act of fasting with a profound significance, intertwining the spiritual practice with a broader quest for justice and peace.
In southeast Michigan, a region renowned for its vibrant Arab and Muslim demographic, the usually anticipated Suhoor Festival was conspicuously absent this year. Organizers decided against holding the joyous event, saying that celebration was unjustifiable amidst the suffering in Gaza. Reflecting on the subdued nature of Ramzan this year, Amad Elzayat, founder of the Amity Foundation, noted a palpable shift in the community’s mood, emphasizing a significant increase in charitable efforts directed towards Gaza. Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi, leading the Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights, highlighted that religious sermons and Ramzan programming have predominantly focused on Gaza, critiquing US. political leadership for its support of Israel and advocating for a modest Eid celebration centered on solidarity with Gaza and the Palestinian struggle, an Aljazeera report said.
In southeast Michigan, a decision was made by at least ten mosques to forgo the traditional Eid-ul-Fitr festivities, which mark the conclusion of Ramzan, in a gesture of solidarity with Gaza. Heeding the call from the Imam’s Council of Michigan, these mosques plan to limit their observance to morning prayers and will dedicate collections to support Gaza during the two-day celebration commencing this week, the Aljazeera report said.
“It doesn’t seem right that they’re suffering and we’re celebrating,” Qasim Abdullah, one of the imams at the American Muslim Center, told Aljazeera.
Amad Elzayat, the founder of the Amity Foundation, a charitable organization, reflected on the observance of Ramzan this year among Arab and Muslim Americans in Michigan, describing it as notably more subdued. “This year’s holy month has felt distinct,” Elzayat shared with Al Jazeera. “Witnessing the plight of children in Palestine facing hunger, along with the challenges endured by those in south Lebanon, made our traditional Ramadan meals feel unusually burdensome.”
Earlier, amidst this atmosphere of contemplation and activism, a significant demonstration outside the White House marked a focal point of protest in the United States. Mohamad Habehh, deeply immersed in a moment of spiritual reflection, recited the Muslim call to prayer, signaling the end of a day of fasting. This act of devotion coincided with a gathering to protest President Joe Biden’s support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza, aligning with an iftar hosted by the White House for government employees. Despite the gloomy weather, protesters held their own iftar, a simple yet symbolic meal, as their chants of “End the siege on Gaza now. Free, free Palestine,” echoed amidst the rain. “This is the least we could do for the people of Gaza at a time where some of these people can’t break their fast; some of these people are starving,” said Habehh, emphasizing the collective resolve of Muslim Americans to prioritize Gaza activism during this period.
As per the Aljazeera report, the meeting between President Biden and Muslim Americans inside the White House, intended to address concerns regarding the Israel-Gaza war, became a venue for protest. Palestinian American doctor Thaer Ahmad made headlines by walking out of the meeting, presenting the president with a letter from an orphaned 8-year-old girl in Rafah and expressing frustration over the continued US military support for Israel. “There’s a change in the rhetoric,” Ahmad noted, “But concrete actions, we have not seen a significant change.”
Internationally, the mood remained reflective and supportive of the Palestinian cause. From the throngs of worshippers gathering at Istanbul’s Aya Sofya Mosque, many carrying Palestinian flags, to the prayers at Nairobi’s Rahma Mosque, the global Muslim community echoed a unified message of solidarity with Gaza. Celebrations of Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of Ramzan, were overshadowed by the conflict, with prayers and messages of support for Palestine marking the holiday across the world. Leaders and citizens alike called for peace, tranquility, and well-being, not just for their own nations but for all humanity, highlighting the conflict in Gaza as a “bleeding wound on the conscience of humanity.”
(With inputs from agencies)
In southeast Michigan, a region renowned for its vibrant Arab and Muslim demographic, the usually anticipated Suhoor Festival was conspicuously absent this year. Organizers decided against holding the joyous event, saying that celebration was unjustifiable amidst the suffering in Gaza. Reflecting on the subdued nature of Ramzan this year, Amad Elzayat, founder of the Amity Foundation, noted a palpable shift in the community’s mood, emphasizing a significant increase in charitable efforts directed towards Gaza. Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi, leading the Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights, highlighted that religious sermons and Ramzan programming have predominantly focused on Gaza, critiquing US. political leadership for its support of Israel and advocating for a modest Eid celebration centered on solidarity with Gaza and the Palestinian struggle, an Aljazeera report said.
In southeast Michigan, a decision was made by at least ten mosques to forgo the traditional Eid-ul-Fitr festivities, which mark the conclusion of Ramzan, in a gesture of solidarity with Gaza. Heeding the call from the Imam’s Council of Michigan, these mosques plan to limit their observance to morning prayers and will dedicate collections to support Gaza during the two-day celebration commencing this week, the Aljazeera report said.
“It doesn’t seem right that they’re suffering and we’re celebrating,” Qasim Abdullah, one of the imams at the American Muslim Center, told Aljazeera.
Amad Elzayat, the founder of the Amity Foundation, a charitable organization, reflected on the observance of Ramzan this year among Arab and Muslim Americans in Michigan, describing it as notably more subdued. “This year’s holy month has felt distinct,” Elzayat shared with Al Jazeera. “Witnessing the plight of children in Palestine facing hunger, along with the challenges endured by those in south Lebanon, made our traditional Ramadan meals feel unusually burdensome.”
Earlier, amidst this atmosphere of contemplation and activism, a significant demonstration outside the White House marked a focal point of protest in the United States. Mohamad Habehh, deeply immersed in a moment of spiritual reflection, recited the Muslim call to prayer, signaling the end of a day of fasting. This act of devotion coincided with a gathering to protest President Joe Biden’s support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza, aligning with an iftar hosted by the White House for government employees. Despite the gloomy weather, protesters held their own iftar, a simple yet symbolic meal, as their chants of “End the siege on Gaza now. Free, free Palestine,” echoed amidst the rain. “This is the least we could do for the people of Gaza at a time where some of these people can’t break their fast; some of these people are starving,” said Habehh, emphasizing the collective resolve of Muslim Americans to prioritize Gaza activism during this period.
As per the Aljazeera report, the meeting between President Biden and Muslim Americans inside the White House, intended to address concerns regarding the Israel-Gaza war, became a venue for protest. Palestinian American doctor Thaer Ahmad made headlines by walking out of the meeting, presenting the president with a letter from an orphaned 8-year-old girl in Rafah and expressing frustration over the continued US military support for Israel. “There’s a change in the rhetoric,” Ahmad noted, “But concrete actions, we have not seen a significant change.”
Internationally, the mood remained reflective and supportive of the Palestinian cause. From the throngs of worshippers gathering at Istanbul’s Aya Sofya Mosque, many carrying Palestinian flags, to the prayers at Nairobi’s Rahma Mosque, the global Muslim community echoed a unified message of solidarity with Gaza. Celebrations of Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of Ramzan, were overshadowed by the conflict, with prayers and messages of support for Palestine marking the holiday across the world. Leaders and citizens alike called for peace, tranquility, and well-being, not just for their own nations but for all humanity, highlighting the conflict in Gaza as a “bleeding wound on the conscience of humanity.”
(With inputs from agencies)
