EID MUBARAK

Tonight was another first as Natureman and I were invited by the Muslim community to join them in their celebration for the end of Ramadan, Eid (pronounced eed). The sign above says Eid Mubarak, transliterated Celebration Blessed / in other words, Happy Holiday! 

Samei, a vermicelli pudding with cardamon

About a hundred folks attended the early scrumptious evening buffet meal in the Copeland Picnic pavilion by the Black River in La Crosse including Muslim families from surrounding areas and all the invited guests .

A brief explanation was given for us guests about the 30 day fast which really ended Sunday. Most religions have a fast. The fast of Ramadan includes no food, liquids, smoking nor sexual relations. According to Wikipedia "Muslims are also instructed to refrain from sinful behavior that may negate the reward of fasting, such as false speech (insulting, backbiting, cursing, lying, etc.) and fighting except in self-defense. Food and drinks are served daily, before dawn and after sunset. Spiritual rewards (thawab) for fasting are also believed to be multiplied within the month of Ramadan. Fasting for Muslims during Ramadan typically includes the increased offering of salat (prayers), recitation of the Quran and an increase of doing good deeds and charity."

Mayors Tim Kabat of La Crosse and Joe Chilsen of Onalaska and representatives from Ron Kind and Tammy Baldwin were present to show their support for our Muslim community members. La Crosse has been declared a safe zone for all immigrants.

Also present was the La Crosse Shoulder to Shoulder group which has been in existence since 2016 with a mission to combat xenophobia and encourage xenophilia. Their latest campaign is to encourage local businesses to place a HATE HAS NO BUSINESS HERE poster in their front windows welcoming all. 

Our media may want to portray our Muslim neighbors in a negative light but it is up to the rest of us to stand up for all our community.

Many of us went home with not only a full belly but  a better understanding of our Muslim neighbors and also a poster or two to place in our community storefronts. "If not now, when?"Hillel


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* Special thank you to Michael Hessel Mial for the first two pics.