When Muslim Holiday Falls On 9/11

Muslims offering prayer

By ONE Liners Agency

Muslims of America may have been thinking what to do on 9/11 this year. They may have asked themselves whether to celebrate or cancel the end-of-Ramadan festivities, the Islamic equivalent of Thanksgiving, Eid-ul-Fitr.

This year it may also sound to some that Muslims across the world are celebrating for the wrong reason amid the controversy surrounding plans of burning Quran on the 9th anniversary of 9-11.

Florida Pastor Terry Jones said, "Our 9/11 protest is to send a clear message to the radical element of Islam that we will not tolerate that in America."

Terry Jones called of burning the holy book of Muslims on September 11 and it had worried leaders, religious preachers and all across the world. However, the plan has been put on hold for reconsideration. The son of the pastor said Islam's holiest text will not be torched Saturday at the Florida church.

The Muslim Community Center in Silver Spring, Md., sacles back Eid al-Fitr plans. He says there will be no food, singing, dancing or henna decorating. It will only have religious services.

Rashid Makhdoom, one of the directors at the Center's board said in comments to The Washington Post, "People are taking care not to do any celebrations on the day of 9/11, because it is a day of tragedy and we have to be sensitive."

The Islamic center in Fresno, Calif., has canceled the traditional pony rides, all the games and carnival attractions because of fear amonng the members of the community, said Imam Seyed Ali Ghazvini to The Los Angeles Times.

The big question...

Why should Muslims not be able to celebrate their festivals even if it coincides with 9/11, though it is known no Muslim in the Islamic world of 1.6 billion people can decide the day. It is based on lunar calendar.