Muslims fear backlash if holiday falls on September 11
Submitted by Rose Egge, Communities Reporter
Wednesday, September 1st, 11:14am
Imagine if you could not be with your family on Christmas. For many Americans, this holiday is one of the most special days of the year. It would be tragic if you could not safely leave your home and be with your loved ones. Next week, when Islam’s holy season ofRamadan comes to a close, Muslim’s across the country may be hesitant, or even fearful, to celebrate one of their most precious days of the year, the annual "feast of fast breaking" holiday Eid ul-Fitr. That’s because this year, the Eid could fall on September 11.
Muslim leaders are hoping to educate the public so that their holiday is not considered a celebration of the World Trade Center attacks.
"We are concerned for people's safety," said Arsalan Bukhari, Executive Director of theCouncil on American-Islamic Relations here in Washington. "We have nothing to do with 9/11, we have condemned those attacks. But we also understand that it's a day of mourning for all Americans."
Bukhari says he has seen an increase in anti-Muslim sentiment since the debate began over a mosque near Ground Zero in New York. Just recently, a mosque in Kirkland, the Ithna-asheri Muslim Association of the Northwest (IMAN), received mail saying “No mosque in Kirkland.”
“We’re seeing opposition from New York reverberating across the country,” Bukhari said.
Aziz Junejo, a spokesperson for the Muslim community in Seattle and Seattle Times columnist, told me “no question,” there has been a rise in anti-Muslim sentiment across the country. He mentioned the church in Gainesville, Florida that has vowed to burn copies of the Quran on September 11 this year and the mosque in California where a sign was found reading “No temple for the god of terrorism at Ground Zero.”
“Muslims are concerned about how they should act (on the Eid),” said Junejo. “Everyone is being vigilant. We (are living in) a dangerous environment right now.”
The Ramadan Eid has not landed on September 11 since the attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001 because the date of the holiday is based on the lunar calendar, which is about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar of 365 days more typically used. Each year, Islam’s ninth month, Ramadan, starts about 10 days earlier than the year before. The Eid occurs with the sighting of the new moon and the start of Islam's tenth month. This year, it is expected to occur between September 9 and September 11.
The Eid will not fall near September 11 for another 33 years. Junejo says this Eid could have a significant impact on the Muslim community.
“If children feel they can’t go out on Eid it really gives them a feeling that they’re not a part of this country,” said Junejo. “We want our children to feel like they’re Americans first and foremost.”
Whichever day the Eid lands on, thousands of Muslims are expected to gather at the Washington Convention Center, the Lynnwood Convention Center and downtown Bellevue to pray together.
Local Muslim community groups will celebrate with carnivals and festivals, but some have rescheduled their celebrations. The Muslim Association of Puget Sound (MAPS) will host a celebration at Remlinger Farms on September 18 – one week after the Eid.
“September 11th was specifically excluded in an attempt to avoid any misunderstandings based on perception from those who may be unaware of the lunar calendar and the end of Ramadan,” said Kabir Jeddy, treasurer of MAPS.
Muslims across the country are also expected to participate in the “Muslims Serve" campaignon September 11.
The Islamic Society of North America has published this statement online:
Given the volatile political and social climate we are experiencing all around the country, a national grassroots coalition of American Muslims asks you to do something special this Eid - invite your family and friends and community to be a part of a nationwide effort to spend the anniversary of 9/11 in service to your neighbors and your city.
Last summer, American Muslims participated in more than 3,500 community service projects all around the country as part of President Obama's "United We Serve" campaign. On September 11th, let's show that we can rise above prejudice and hatred and be the kind of conscientious citizens who give back to our country through a national "Muslim Serve" campaign.
Last summer, American Muslims participated in more than 3,500 community service projects all around the country as part of President Obama's "United We Serve" campaign. On September 11th, let's show that we can rise above prejudice and hatred and be the kind of conscientious citizens who give back to our country through a national "Muslim Serve" campaign.
Junejo says September 11 is tragic anniversary for all Americans, including Muslims.
“Let’s turn this tragic anniversary into something positive,” he says.
These local events have been scheduled to celebrate the end of Ramadan:
Cham Muslim Refugee Center field Day and blood drive
September 11. Cham Muslim Refugee Center is located at 5945 39th Avenue South, Seattle.
September 12, 11 a.m., Alderwood Middle School, Lynnwood. Games and Activities for the whole family. Tickets $5/person . Children under 2 - free. Food available at cost.
September 18, 10:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Remlinger Farms. MAPS cordially invites you to celebrate Eid Al- Fitr. Get your tickets in advance, by registering online.
TODAY at 2:35pm on KOMO News radio AM 1000 and FM 97.7, they will be talking about this story. If there is a number to call, please call in to thank them for great coverage and to make positive statements about positive contributions of American Muslims. Feel free to plug your organizations' projects in your call :)
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