A great part of Ramadan is it’s sociability. When I converted to Islam in 1988, I was the fortunate recipient of many, many Iftar invitations. That’s the feast that breaks a days fasting. I also ate many a scrumptious meal at the mosque. As a fellow convert and I once said, They suck you in with the food and the art and then they pretty much have you for life.
But living apart from my local mosque and without the comradeship of the Muslim community in Lansing the other 11 months of the year means I don’t have a place to turn during Ramadan. Well, I decided to make a little community of my own. I’m throwing an Eid party.
Eid Al-Fitr is the three day celebration that ends the month of Ramadan and I’ll be damned if I’m going to spend it alone and lonely again. Also, I wanted to do something to mark my 30-year conversion anniversary. So, I invited several people I feel like celebrating with and every one of them said yes!
I’ve seen figures that say 80% of American Muslims fast during Ramadan. Not to be a Debbie Downer, but I’d be real interested in knowing how many of that 80% manage to fast the entire month through. Crimany but this is not easy.
I’ll be ordering in a Middle Eastern feast fit for carnivores and vegans alike. I’ve got a banner and printed balloons coming. I’ll have plenty of sweets for everyone and even new clothes for myself.
I will be the only Muslim there, and my companions do not lack diversity! There will be my church buddy and Marie, two devout Catholics, Hubby, and three atheists. As Eid also happens to fall on Pride, one of the guests will also be wearing a rainbow tutu as she fits us in with the other celebrating on her schedule for the day. I truly love my life.
Just three weeks to go…
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