The White House has released the following statement from President Barack Obama to mark Eid al-Adha (2011):

Michelle and I extend our greetings for a happy Eid al-Adha to Muslims worldwide and congratulate those performing Hajj. Thousands of Muslim Americans are among those who have joined one of the world?s largest and most diverse gatherings in making the pilgrimage to Mecca and nearby sites.

As Muslims celebrate this Eid, they will also commemorate Abraham?s willingness to sacrifice his son by distributing food to those less fortunate around the world. They join the United States and the international community in relief efforts to assist those struggling to survive in the Horn of Africa and those recovering from the devastating earthquake in Turkey.

The Eid and Hajj rituals are a reminder of the shared roots of the world?s Abrahamic faiths and the powerful role that faith plays in motivating communities to serve and stand with those in need. On behalf of the American people, we extend our best wishes during this Hajj season. Eid Mubarak and Hajj Mabrour.

Eid-Al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice – Islamic -begins at sundown)
This Muslim holiday, celebrated during the time of the annual hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca, marks the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael, as commanded by God. The day is consecrated with an animal sacrifice, of which one-third is shared with the poor while the other two-thirds is enjoyed with family and friends.

photo credit: via flickr

Eid-Al-Fitr / Eid ul-Fitr / EID (Celebrating the Fast – Islamic)
Almost two billion Muslims around the world celebrate Eid ul-Fitr (eed al-fitter), the three-day festival commonly known as “Eid.” “Eid ul-Fitr” literally means the feast of the breaking/to break the fast. The holiday marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and is a culmination of the month-long struggle towards a higher spiritual state.

Eid-Al-Fitr began last night at sunset

source: Ramadan on the Net - Eid ul-Fitr

photo credit: EID Prayers – Ashish T via flikr

Did You Know?
Facts, Figures & Folklore
About Ramadan &
the Islamic Faith
August 30

Did you know that the end of the month of Ramadan is marked with a joyous festival called Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr (EID) literally means the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” during which many Muslims partake in elaborate feasts. They also wear their finest clothes, exchange gifts, while simultaneously increasing their almsgiving.

EID begins tonight, Aug. 30, at sunset. EID MUBARAK!

Signup for our Did You Know? Holiday Countdown emails or follow us on Twitter – twitter.com/holidaysnet (@holidaysnet)

Eid-Al-Fitr / Eid ul-Fitr / EID (Celebrating the Fast – Islamic)
Almost two billion Muslims around the world celebrate Eid ul-Fitr (eed al-fitter), the three-day festival commonly known as “Eid.” “Eid ul-Fitr” literally means the feast of the breaking/to break the fast. The holiday marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and is a culmination of the month-long struggle towards a higher spiritual state.

Eid-Al-Fitr begins tonight at sunset

source: Ramadan on the Net - Eid ul-Fitr

photo credit: EID Prayers – Ashish T via flikr

The White House releases video of President Obama’s greetings at the White House Iftar dinner (Ramadan 2011).

Continuing a tradition at the White House, …President Obama hosted his third Iftar dinner to celebrate Ramadan. The Iftar is the meal that breaks the day of fasting, when Muslim families and communities eat together after sunset. The President was joined in the State Dining Room by two Muslim American members of Congress, Keith Ellison and Andre Carson, members of the diplomatic corps, and Muslim American families and service members. During his remarks the President wished a blessed Ramadan to Muslim Americans and Muslims around the world:

“To the millions of Muslim Americans across the United States and more — the more than one billion Muslims around the world, Ramadan is a time of reflection and a time of devotion. It?s an occasion to join with family and friends in celebration of a faith known for its diversity and a commitment to justice and the dignity of all human beings. So to you and your families, Ramadan Kareem.”

Complete transcript of President’s remarks at White House blog

White House Ramadan Iftar dinner 2010, photo by The White House

Last night President Obama hosted a Iftar dinner celebrating Ramadan.

To the millions of Muslim Americans across the United States and more — the more than one billion Muslims around the world, Ramadan is a time of reflection and a time of devotion. It?s an occasion to join with family and friends in celebration of a faith known for its diversity and a commitment to justice and the dignity of all human beings. So to you and your families, Ramadan Kareem.

Full text of the Presidents remarks

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has released a statement in recognition of the beginning of Ramadan.

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
August 1, 2011

On behalf of the people of the United States, I wish all Muslims around the world a happy and blessed Ramadan.

Ramadan is a time for self-reflection, sharing and renewal. American Muslims make valuable contributions to our country every day and millions around the world will commemorate this month with acts of service and volunteerism to their communities.

Along with dozens of our Embassies, I will host an Eid Celebration in Washington for Muslims and non-Muslims to join together and reflect on our common values, faith and the gifts of the past year.

During this month of peace and humility, I wish the 1.6 billion Muslims around the world Ramadan Kareem.

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC

(Holiday Reminder: Fasting for Ramadan began today, August 01)

Greetings & Ahlan wa-Sahlan (Welcome)

Holidays on the Net is delighted to invite you to join our celebration of the Islamic holiday of Ramadan. The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is a time for spiritual purification through fasting, prayer and self-sacrifice.

More than one billion Muslims around the world daily observe the fast of Ramadan from sunrise to sunset. Visit Holidays on the Net to learn more about fasting and other traditions of Ramadan, such as the Eid ul-Fitr feast, which marks the conclusion of this holy month.

If you are new to the study of Islam, come read more about the Prophet Muhammad, the five pillars of the faith (one of which is fasting on Ramadan), and the Holy Qur’an from Holidays on the Net.

You can also learn more about Muslim terminology, such as the difference between Muslim and Islam or Sunni and Shiite. And discover why the weather affects the start of Ramadan. Then come test your knowledge with our Did You Know ? trivia quiz, highlighting facts and figures about the Islamic faith.

If you have young children at home, be sure to enjoy our Ramadan coloring pictures (perfect for homeschoolers!) And don’t forget to share some Internet greetings with your loved ones with our free Ramadan and Eid ul-Fitr e-cards.

According to Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) the first day of fasting for Ramadan began in North America on August 01, 2011. I am excited to share our Ramadan celebration with you at Holidays on the Net.

Kul ‘am wa enta bi-khair! (May every year find you in good health!)

Louie and the Elves
Holidays on the Net

Ramadan (Islamic)
With the sighting of the crescent moon last night, Muslims around the world began the observance of Ramadan.

Observed by more than one billion Muslims around the world, Ramadan is a time for spiritual purification achieved through fasting, self-sacrifice and prayers.

Celebrated during the ninth month of Islamic calendar, the fast is observed each day from sunrise to sunset. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five Pillars of Islam. The Islamic belief that requires that Muslims perform five central duties in order to strengthen their faith. While Islam has two major sects, the Sunnis and the Shiites, all Muslims aim to realize these five pillars in their lifetime.

Ramadan concludes with a 3-day festival known as “Eid” or “Eid ul-Fitr,” which literally means “the feast of the breaking/to break the fast.” The holiday marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and is a culmination of the month-long struggle towards a higher spiritual state.

Ramadan Mubarak!

For more information visit our Ramadan celebration – Ramadan on the Net