A Personal Perspective: ‘United Eid’ and how Ramadan Celebrations Differ in Oklahoma
- Hooriyah Kamran
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
As an American with Pakistani immigrant parents, Ramadan and Eid for me are somewhat different than they were for my parents.
Every Eid prayer would usually be at the mosque, but for the last two Eid al Fitr, Oklahoma has done it a bit differently. We now have something called “United Eid,” where every mosque in the Oklahoma City area gathers and prays at the State Fair Park grounds.
Last year, around 10,000 Muslims gathered to pray Salat ul Eid. This year, some 12,000 Muslims gathered to worship.
Hectic Mornings
Eid mornings are usually pretty chaotic, with having to get ready, hogging the bathrooms, preparing food and getting to prayers on time. There’s always a rush to get a parking spot on Eid mornings, and then also having to take an off from school if Eid falls on a weekday.
In Muslim countries, kids and adults are off from school and work for Eid, but over here, it gets difficult to take a few days off as it is not an official holiday in the United States.
“It's a little more restrictive, because you have jobs, and you commute, and you try to fit in everything in that small window of time. Basically, it's fast-paced,” Zubaida Asad said. Asad is a retired Oklahoma State Department of Health consultant who was born in India
Traditions here would be familiar to immigrant Muslims, just with less time and less socialization.
Some traditions my family and I have always had is eating plain, glazed donuts, as they are always offered on Eid mornings. Another one is also reciting the Takbeerat (repeatedly saying “Allahu Akbar” in a more melodic way, to praise and glorify Allah for the blessings Muslims get during Ramadan) in the morning on the drive to Salat ul Eid.
Preserving Traditions
The United States is not a Muslim country, so Islamic principles and rulings tend to disappear for a lot of Muslims who are born over here or have immigrated here.
Some American Muslims fully observe Ramadan. Some just fast but don’t participate in religious activities. Some lead totally secular lives.
Many Muslims say they feel as though the purpose of Ramadan and Eid are often overlooked. The Holy month is about worshipping Allah, praying and becoming a better Muslim. It’s also about thanking Allah for being healthy enough to be able to fast and for leading us on the right path.
“Eid is our first reward of Ramadan, we celebrate after 30 days of fasting, and the second reward will be at the day of judgement," said Banan Alkhalafat, an Arabic language and Islamic studies teacher who is from Jordan.
Asad emphasized the need for Muslim parents to educate their children and Muslims to educate their non-Muslim neighbors about the faith.
“People are understanding more. About Islam, about our religion, the practices and how this is spiritual. We feel the starving population of the world,” she said.
Fasting, she said, “is to show that, yes, we know the importance of food, or lack thereof, war zones. You can just add so much to that. Being spiritual, as well as physically, this is good.”
To her, Islam adds structure to one’s life, offers community and clarity.
“Because everyone is praying together, it’s not like you're clumping yourself, people from India, Pakistan, or Middle East or anything. Everyone is the same. Your own cleaning lady can stand next to you in prayer, because we are all equal. We are created equal. There is no discrimination. Race, gender, or financial status. Just promote Islam.”
Brought up in the Faith
My parents could have easily forgotten all of the Islamic rulings and teachings. They could have easily gone on the wrong path, but they did not. Instead, I am a proud Muslim who prays all her prayers, reads the Quran (even memorizing it), lives according to Islamic guidelines and fasts every year.
I thank my parents for all of this.
