From the Assistant Principals

Many members of our community have recently observed Ramadan and celebrated Eid. Here is a brief summary to explain this very important and reflective time for many members of our Gilgai Plains community.

Ramadan

Ramadan is the Arabic word for the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, sometimes referred to as Ramazan in other languages. Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year in Islamic culture. It is a quiet, reflective time of worship, helping others, and spending time with loved ones.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims won’t eat or drink between dawn and sunset. This is called fasting. Fasting is important during Ramadan as it allows Muslims to devote themselves to their faith.

Eid

Eid takes place at the end of Ramadan. The name “Eid al-Fitr” translates as “the festival of the breaking of the fast”. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, which is the tenth month in the Muslim (lunar) calendar.

This means that the timing of Eid al-Fitr and Ramadan is different every year as it is based on the lunar cycle. It does not begin until the new moon is seen, which means it starts at different times for different Muslims around the world.

Eid is celebrated with visiting and spending time with loved ones. Eid is also a time of gifting.