U.S. MUSLIMS TO MARK END OF RAMADAN WITH PRAYERS
‘Muhammad’ film release to coincide with Eid ul-Fitr
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 11/9/04) - On November 13th or 14th (exact date depends
on sighting of the new moon), the Muslim community in America will celebrate the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan with communal prayers
around the country. (Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures
from break of dawn to sunset.)
The prayers mark the beginning of the Eid ul-Fitr (EED-al-FITTER), or “feast of fast breaking” holiday, in which Muslims exchange social visits
and seek to strengthen bonds of brotherhood in the community. During this holiday, Muslims greet each other by saying “Eid
mubarak” (EED-moo-BAR-ak), meaning “blessed Eid,” and “taqabbalallah ta’atakum,” or “may God accept
your deeds.” Many communities also hold multicultural bazaars and other family activities following the prayers.
This year, a new animated film, “Muhammad: The Last Prophet,” is scheduled for nationwide theatrical release on Eid ul-Fitr. The feature-length film
chronicles the early life and teachings of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad. SEE:
http://www.finemediagroup.com/
Eid ul-Fitr is the first of the two major Muslim holidays. The second holiday, Eid ul-Adha, comes at the end of the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca.