Simerg rejoices with its readers all over the world on the auspicious occasion of Eid al-Fitr and invites you to send a festive card to your family members and friends through the official website of the Ismaili community by clicking on http://ecard.theismaili.org/Eid-ul-Fitr-2014 or the image below.

The Ismaili website contains varying themes for its eCards including a wonderful selection of images of Ismaili Jamatkhanas, including those of the high profile Ismaili centres.

The Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe was opened on 12 October 2009 by His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, and Mawlana Hazar Imam. It is the first such Centre in Central Asia — a region that has been home to Ismaili Muslims for more than a thousand years. The ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Dushanbe, Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloev, senior government officials, diplomats, scholars and leaders of faith communities. Representatives of the Ismaili community from around the world were also present.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

EID AL-FITR

The fast of Ramadan ends with the Festival of Breaking Fast, Eid al-Fir, on the first day of the following month of Shawwal. The festival is also known as Bairam or Eid Ramadan. It is an occasion for celebration and rejoicing for Allah’s Bounty upon mankind for His revelation of the Qur’an. It is also a time for individuals to express their gratitude to Allah for having given them the strength, courage and resilience to complete the fast, and thus fulfilling the duty enjoined upon them by Allah.

The Festival begins with a festive prayer (Salatul-Fitr) with all the believers congregating at their respective places of worship. It is also an occasion for socialising and meeting with other Muslims and for fostering a sense of brotherhood and unity amongst the community (ummah). After the communal prayer, families gather together at home with relatives and friends and participate in exchanging gifts and partaking a meal.

~~~~~~~~~~

Please also visit Letter from China: Eid al-Fitr at the Huasheing Mosque in Guangzhou by Zulfikar Mulji.

Date posted: Saturday, July 26, 2014