Houstonian Corner, Vol. 8 Iss. 44

Two Eid-ul-Fitr in the Greater Houston Region

The Muslims of the Greater Houston Region celebrated two Eid-ul-Fitr this year, 2006.
More than 10,000 Muslims gathered in the Reliant Center Hall E on Monday October 23 to establish the prayers of Eid-ul-Fitr 1427 AH.

Others went to Madrasa-e-Islamiah, Masjid-e-Aala. On Tuesday October 24, thousands of Muslims established prayers in Fun Plex, Royal Hall and IEC.

Several candidates for political office, like Nick Lampson, Sheila Jackson Lee, Farhan Shamsi, Chad Khan, Hubert Vo and others were seen at various places of prayers asking the Muslims to go for early voting, which is happening in Texas between October 23 – 2006 and November 03 – 2006.

The main messages given on the occasion of Eid were that the service rendered to God during the month of Ramadan means that Muslims should become more active to help those in need. Performing acts of charity is one most salient things Muslims have learnt and the rest of the year is for the Muslims to show this generosity, kindness and compassion.

All the major organizations, including the Islamic Society of Greater Houston (ISGH), the Muslim American Society (MAS), the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), the Islam Dawah Conference, the El-Farouq Foundation, Madrasa-e-Islamiah, and others confirmed the witnessing of the moon in North America from Chicago and California announced the Eid-ul-Fitr to be Monday October 23.

However the Islamic Forum of North America (IFNA) and the Islamic Education Center at South Voss (IEC), who have their own independent systems of witnessing the new moon, did not receive any witnessings of the moon that they considered credible, and decided Eid-ul-Fitr would be on Tuesday October 24.

We at The Muslim Observer wish all the Muslims, whenever they celebrated ‘Eid our heartfelt congratulations on the auspicious occasion and that Allah (swt) will accept the prayers, worship, efforts and good deeds performed by all the Muslims during the month of Ramadan (Ameen).

The world today needs all the good traits emphasized during the ‘Eid khutbas, and desperately needs the input of good Muslims. As Muslims we need to be united rather than divided on petty issues in our commitment to love our families, protect our children, build our communities, and make the world more peaceful. It is occasions like ‘Eid where Muslims need to resolve to seize opportunities to work together in a spirit of friendship and cooperation.

Through our combined efforts, Muslims can help the world in ultimately achieving a brighter future for all.

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