salam all, letz have another peek at how our bro and sis in the USA are celebrating the EID.
*WASSALAM* ** *Azhar Alias* <http://www.islamonline.com/news/newsfull.php?newid=168401#> <http://www.alclick.com/adclick.php?n=a27f0061> <http://admin.alclick.com/adclick.php?n=a17d3e3d>*A small Muslim community of about 3000 celebrated `Eid Al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, in a Hilton hotel ballroom in the middle of America's Heartland, a place as conservative as the belts of land that straddle the Afghan-Pakistan border. * OMAHA, Nebraska — A small Muslim community of about 3000 celebrated `Eid Al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, in a Hilton hotel ballroom in the middle of America's Heartland, a place as conservative as the belts of land that straddle the Afghan-Pakistan border. They filed into the hall past non-Muslim Americans who, in bewilderment, stared at this unusual sight. People from Sudan, Somalia, Pakistan, different Arab countries and a few from Southeast Asia were amongst these congregants. Most of them were refugees or first generation Americans of refugees who fled war-torn areas in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. One man observing the amazing amount of diversity filing past him stated, "This is really great to see so many cultures in one place at one time," said man observing the amazing amount of diversity filing past him. In the true spirit of Islam, they were gathering together as one group despite cultural differences for perform the special `Eid prayer. The volunteer imam, because there is no official imam for this community, spoke about the need to pray together. Most American Muslims celebrated the start of the three-day `Eid Al-Fitr on Wednesday, September 30. Omaha is the largest city in the state of Nebraska and has a total population of 432,921. *First-Timers* A few White and Hispanic Americans who joined the `Eid celebration were actually experiencing their first Ramadan and `Eid. One of them was Adrian Guzman, a Latino American originally from Chicago but with family roots in Mexico. He embraced Islam in April of this year. After attending many Catholic Church services and not feeling satisfied he later became interested in Islam. He read and continues to read a lot about Islam and considers his religious experience a constant learning experience. "The purpose of Ramadan is patience and appreciation," says Guzman. He admits fasting every other day this Ramadan as it was a new experience to get used to, but marked the obvious benefits he received this month. Guzman noted that his confidence in Islam increased and his prayers became more focused, not to mention losing some weight. While gathering with friends after the `Eid prayer, he made a commitment to keep that weight off and to continue to eat moderately and fast occasionally. *Not Easy* While sitting in a local supermarket café with other Muslims after the `Eid celebrations some onlookers glared angrily at the Muslims. This can be disheartening for new Muslims and can dampen the great experience of Ramadan. "Being hated because of my religion is not unusual for me," says Guzman. "I was hated for being Hispanic before and I still am." Guzman approaches prejudice in Islam from the plain standpoint of it being a result of ignorance. "If I am approached about my religion I will just tell them: 'Why are you judging me, who are you to judge? We believe in One God, the same God as you!'" Guzman believes that observing the Ramadan fast in a Muslim country will be much easier. He would like to celebrate the holy month in Egypt or Saudi Arabia where everyone would be fasting, celebrating and performing the `Eid prayer like Christmas is celebrated in America.
