Eid
Every year, the Muslim Association celebrate Eid in Mount Pleasant. This celebration combines the two Eids celebrated by Muslims, Eid-ul-Fitr which marks the end of Ramadan (month of fasting) and Eid-ul-adha, which commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God (although God provided a ram in his son's place once Ibrahim demonstrated his willingness to follow God's commands). Both festivals are dictated by the Islamic lunar calendar which is normally eleven days ahead of the Gregorian calendar, and so don't fall on the same day each year. Eid-ul-Adha occurs the day after the pilgrims have conducted Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia by Muslims worldwide. The celebrations in Mount Pleasant are organised between the two Eids.
Eid-ul-Fitr is also known as 'Smaller Eid', as celebrations last three days compared to Eid-ul-adha, or 'Greater Eid', when celebrations last four days. During both festivals Muslims are encouraged to wear their best clothes to Eid prayer, and for the latter festival this is meant to be outside and not in a mosque. Eid-ul-adha also involves Muslims, who can afford to do so, sacrificing their best domestic animals (usually sheep, but also camels, cows and goats) as a symbol of Ibrahim's sacrifice.
Celebrations at Mount Pleasant
In Mount Pleasant, the Muslim Association organises the festivities and collects money from all members to pay for food for all workers in Mount Pleasant that day. The room is decorated and an outside catering company supplies the food which is Halal (Kosher) as well as vegetarian and is served throughout the afternoon by members of the Muslim Association.
The food consists of biryanis, kebabs, chicken tikkas, nans and a sweet carrot dish, as well as softs drinks. Around 500-600 workers at Mount Pleasant of all religions and cultures normally attend the celebrations.
More Information
- Illustrations
Serving the food at Eid
Queue for food at Eid celebrations
The long queue for food at Eid
Those serving the food get to eat at last!
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