On Friday, April 19, the Austin office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Austin), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, will hold the 3nd annual “Eid Celebration at the Capitol.”
The event will include a Jummah prayer service (Islamic Friday congregational prayer) at the Great Walk Lawn Area.
People of all faiths and backgrounds are invited to celebrate with their Muslim neighbors, learn about Ramadan and Eid, enjoy free food, and explore the cultural elements of the diverse Muslim community in Austin and Texas.
WHAT: 3rd Annual Eid Celebration and Friday Prayer at the Capitol
WHEN: Friday, April 19, 12 – 3 PM (Friday Prayer/Ceremony starts at 1:30 PM)
WHERE: Texas Capitol Great Walk Lawn Area, 1100 Congress Ave, Austin TX 78701
WEB PAGE: Watch last year video and learn more https://tinyurl.com/Eid-Capitol
RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/Eid-At-Capitol (Encouraged but not required)
CONTACT: CAIR-Austin Operations Manager Shaimaa Zayan, (512) 785-7105, shaimaa.zayan@cairtx.org
The program will include different booths at which guests can enjoy free international food, ask questions about Islam, see Islamic Art, do Henna design, have their names written in Arabic Calligraphy, and dress like a Muslim.
“This year’s Eid celebration comes as the genocide in Gaza continues, but we believe it is more needed now than ever,” said Shaimaa Zayan, Operations Manager of CAIR-Austin. “With the unprecedented rise in Islamophobia and violence against Muslims nationwide and here in Austin, it is essential to challenge stereotypes. The program creates a space for Texans to meet their Muslim neighbors and coworkers in a stress-free and joy-filled environment. It will be held at the Capitol to remind American Muslims that they are a part of the American fabric, and their voice is critical in the democratic process.”
The family-friendly program is free and open to the public. Ample parking is available at the Capitol Visitors Parking Garage located at 1201 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701.
RAMADAN/EID BACKGROUNDER:
Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from dawn to sunset.
On April 10, the Muslim community in America celebrated the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan with communal prayers around the country.
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 family and community bonds. 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.
Eid ul-Fitr is the first of the two major Muslim holidays. The second holiday, Eid ul-Adha (EED-al-ODD-ha), comes near the end of the Hajj season, or pilgrimage to Mecca.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Austin Operations Manager, (512) 785-7105, shaimaa.zayan@cairtx.org