(AUSTIN, TX, 5/3/2023) – On Friday, May 5, the Austin chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Austin), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, will hold the 2nd annual “Eid Celebration at the Capitol.”
The event will also 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: Eid Celebration and Jummah at the Capitol
WHEN: Friday, May 5, 12 – 3 PM
[NOTE: A historic Jummah prayer led by Imam Anwer will begin at 1 PM and conclude at 1:30 PM.]
WHERE: Texas Capitol Great Walk Lawn Area, 1100 Congress Ave, Austin TX 7870
LINK: https://tinyurl.com/5e9xcczt
RSVP Online is Encouraged but not required. The information is used to help determine the amount of food.
CONTACT: CAIR-Austin Community Relation Coordinator Shaimaa Zayan, (512) 785-7105, [email protected]
The program will include different booths at which guests can enjoy free international food, ask questions about Islam, see Islamic Art, do Henna design, and try on Muslim clothing. The program will include speeches from community leaders.
“We are really excited to repeat this joy-filled event for the second year,” said Shaimaa Zayan, Community Relation Coordinator of CAIR-Austin. “We believe programs like this are essential not only to enhance mutual understanding and challenge Islamophobia but also to increase the sense of belonging for American Muslims.”
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 21, 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 Community Relation Coordinator, (512) 785-7105, [email protected]