(AUSTIN, TX, 5/3/2022) – On Friday, May 6, the Austin chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Austin) will hold the first-ever “Eid Celebration at the Capitol.”
The event will also include a historic first Jummah (Friday Muslim congregational prayer) at the State Capitol.
The program’s goal is to invite people of all faiths and backgrounds to celebrate with their Muslim neighbors, learn about Ramadan and Eid, enjoy delicious free food, and have fun.
WHAT: Eid Celebration & Jummah at the Capitol
WHEN: Friday, May 6th at 11 – 2 PM, Jummah Prayer will begin at 1:30 PM.
WHERE: Texas Capitol Southwest Lawn, 1100 Congress Ave, Austin TX 7870
WEBSITE: https://www.cairtx.org/eid
RSVP Online is Encouraged but not required. The information is used to help determine the amount of food.
CONTACT: CAIR-Austin Executive Director Faizan Syed, (469)290-2909,
The program will include different booths where guests can enjoy free international food and children’s’ activities, ask questions about Islam, see Islamic Art, and try on Muslim clothing from around the world. The program will include speeches from community leaders. A historic Jummah prayer led by Imam Anwer will begin at 1:30 PM and conclude at 2 PM, concluding the event. Guided tours of the Capitol will also be available.
“We are thrilled to begin this new tradition that will give people of all faiths an opportunity to celebrate Eid with their Muslim neighbors,” said Faizan Syed Executive Director of CAIR-Austin. “We believe programs like this are essential for building bridges and ending misconceptions.”
The family-friendly program is free and open to the public. Ample parking is available on the street or is recommended at the Capitol Visitors Parking Garage located at 1201 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701.
RAMADAN/EID BACKGROUNDER:
Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from break of dawn to sunset.
On May 2, the Muslim community in America celebrated the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan with communal prayers around the country.
The prayers mark the beginning of the Eid ul-Fitr (EED-al-FITTER), or “feast of fast breaking” holiday, in which Muslims exchange social visits and seek to strengthen family and community bonds. During this holiday, Muslims greet each other by saying “Eid mubarak” (EED-moo-BAR-ak), meaning “blessed Eid,” and “taqabbalallah ta’atakum,” or “may God accept your deeds.” Many communities also hold multicultural bazaars and other family activities following the prayers.
Eid ul-Fitr is the first of the two major Muslim holidays. The second holiday, Eid ul-Adha (EED-al-ODD-ha), comes near the end of the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Austin Executive Director Faizan Syed, cell (314)403-2909, office (469)290-2909,
