By: Jolea Richardson
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – The Multicultural Center held an event to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a Muslim holiday celebrating the end of Ramadan.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is the holiest month for Muslims.
During this month, observers fast from sunrise to sunset in an attempt to get closer to God.
An emphasis is put on family and community during this time.
Eid al-Fitr celebrates the breaking of this fast, and Muslims are forbidden to fast during this time.
“Muslims end their fast period of thirty days. And so it’s a day of community. A day of a lot of food, a day of celebration,” said Cultural Programming Director for the Multicultural Center, Izzo Ahmed.
The event was held in the Union Verizon Ballroom and included traditional music and foods such as baklava, falafel, and tabouli.
Each table was decorated with lanterns, which are traditionally used to decorate streets during Ramadan.
Ahmed said that events like this give students a sense of acceptance while away from their families.
“I think it’s important because it gives students the feeling of joy, a feeling that they belong here, a feeling that they have a place where they are celebrated. They have a place where they can remember home.” said Ahmed.
Eid al-Fitr began on Wednesday, April 10 and continues through Friday, April 1.