The below content was printed in the Chicago Tribune newspaper’s “Voice of the People” section on Sunday, July 3, 2016.
Being a first-generation Muslim while growing up in Naperville, I remember putting henna (temporary art) on the palms of my hands to celebrate Eid, a Muslim holiday that takes place twice every calendar year.
This was way back when nobody knew about Eid or henna. Teachers used to tell kids to stop drawing on their hand with orange marker — and to go to the bathroom to wash it all off. Too bad it was semi-permanent for up to a week.
Now, at 33, Ramadan — a month of fasting from sunrise to sunset without any water or food — is coming to an end and Eid al-Fitr is approaching. Unfortunately, I’m a bit sad for two major reasons:
First, I’m sad because fasting reminds me of all the less fortunate Muslims, Christians, Jews and people of all faiths who live in poverty, don’t have food to eat or are living in war zones. Every year, fasting shows me how little food our bodies actually need to keep going and how fortunate I am to have two to three peaceful meals daily. Many around the world don’t even get one.
I’m also sad because of all the global violence. During Ramadan, we had a horrible massacre in Orlando and a large terrorist attack in Istanbul. Both fatal incidents left hundreds injured and dozens dead.
What’s also a shame is that the people behind these attacks call themselves Muslims. That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard, because Islam teaches peace, not violence. Islam teaches helping your neighbors, not hurting them. Islam encourages people to be kind, not evil.
This Eid, I plan to share food, desserts and toys with locals who are less fortunate. Additionally, I would like to extend a warm, whole-hearted Eid Mubarak greeting to people of all faiths and religions. Together, by accepting and loving each other for our differences, let’s take baby steps toward worldwide peace. It all starts at home.
— Hafsa Mahmood, Chicago
