Wednesday, August 31, 2011   The end of Ramadan ushers in one of
two major celebrations in the Islamic calendar - a day of
festivities called Eid ul Fitr. In Arabic Eid means something
which returns and is repeated every certain period of time. The
word Eid, however, has evolved to mean a festivity. The word
Fitr is the root of the word iftar (breaking the fast) and
denotes the end of the fasting month. It would be wrong to
assume that Muslims celebrate the fact that they no longer have
to fast, as Muslims indeed are saddened by the passing of the
month of Ramadan. The reality is that Muslims celebrate because
Allah has allowed them to participate in and complete the month
of fasting and spiritual reflection. Muslims celebrate the fact
that Allah, in His infinite mercy and wisdom, may accept their
deeds and reward them.  The Eid (or celebration) is not carried
out in the way we might expect. After the previous night's moon
sighting, indicating that the blessed month of Ramadan is over,
Muslims wake for the da