Eid al-Fitr Update

Assalaamu Alaikum dear members of the Hawaii Muslim Community,

Insha’Allah this message finds you and your loved ones in good health and peace during this blessed month of Ramadan.

We are writing to inform you of a significant update regarding our Eid al-Fitr celebration this year. The recent and ongoing events in Palestine and Gaza, including deliberate genocide, starvation, and ethnic cleansing, have deeply shaken our community and filled our hearts with sorrow for the suffering endured by our brothers and sisters in the region.

As an act of solidarity and empathy, we have made the decision to limit this year’s Eid celebration to the prayer and khutba while postponing the festivities.

As you are aware, in Islam Eids have not been prescribed only for the purposes of joy, entertainment, and visiting one another; rather they are among the symbols and acts of worship in the religion. The Sunnah on these occasions is for Muslims to celebrate and proclaim them openly which we will insha’Allah accomplish with the Eid prayer.

Our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him “PBUH”) said “The parable of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.” He PBUH taught us the importance of empathy and compassion towards one another. He likened the believers to a single body, where if one part suffers, the entire body feels the pain. Our brothers and sisters in Palestine and Gaza are indeed suffering.

While we understand this decision may disappoint some, we believe it is necessary to honor the sanctity of this month and show respect to those who have been displaced from their homes, lost loved ones, and continue to live a recurring nightmare each day.

This does not mean that you should not have a joyous day with your family. On the contrary, after the Eid prayer, we encourage you to have an enjoyable day with your loved ones while taking the opportunity to educate your children on the matter and show them how blessed and privileged they are. We will be organizing opportunities for community members to contribute to relief efforts and support initiatives aimed at providing humanitarian aid as well as sponsoring orphans in the region.

We appreciate your understanding and support and look forward to seeing you all at Eid Prayer. This year, it is estimated to take place on Wednesday, April 10. Eid prayer will be held at Keehi Lagoon Memorial, Burns Hall at 9:00AM.  As is our policy, we will confirm the date and details the evening prior.

May Allah (SWT) grant relief to those who are suffering and guide us all towards a path of peace and justice.

Warm Regards,

MAH Executive Committee