Convert Eid Gathering Overwhelming Success
By Connie Martin
The first day of Eid ul Fitr is a joyous day of celebration. It’s a time to gather together for prayer in the Eid Salat and socialize with family and friends throughout the day to celebrate the completion of the blessed month  of Ramadan. However, for many Muslims who have entered Islam from another faith, the day of Eid can be a lonely occasion, a painful reminder that their relatives are not celebrating the same holidays with them. The Mosque Foundation Convert Support Group, in recognizing this social dilemma, sought to alleviate the alienation many Muslim converts experience on Eid by hosting a Potluck Dinner and Party from 3 – 7 PM on Eid day. “To my knowledge, this is the first year a party for converts and their families has been held on the same day of Eid,” Nadine Boufath, Chairperson of the Convert Support Group stated. Nearly 80 men, women & children attended the party at MFCC. There was a variety of food entrees and desserts, as well as games, crafts, and prizes for the children, but more importantly, there was a place to celebrate Eid with other friends. “May Allah bless you for organizing this event. Every year I just pray and either go to work or go sit at home because there is nowhere for me to go,” Christina Fernandez, a longtime convert and attendee of the celebration said, “I hope this will continue every year because it’s the first time I really felt the Eid.” For information about the Convert Support Group’s programs and events, contact Nadine Boufath at converts@mosquefoundation.org. |