Eid Festival at Evergreen Valley College

Today, on Thursday, May 2, 2024, Evergreen Valley College’s Muslim Student Association hosted a vibrant celebration of Eid Al-Fitr, the Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and spiritual reflection. This holiday, analogous to how Christians celebrate Easter following Lent, fosters a spirit of joy, community, and renewal.

The event commenced at 11:40 AM in Gullo 2, where attendees, numbering over fifty at any given time and hundreds throughout the day, were welcomed with an assortment of fruits, samosas, Turkish coffee, and a selection of flavored waters. The atmosphere was filled with the buzz of excited conversations and the warmth of community gathering.

A notable aspect of the celebration was the involvement of the GiveLight Foundation, an organization dedicated to addressing humanitarian crises in Gaza and Palestine. Brianna Williams, the Director of Operations at GiveLight, was present to educate attendees about their initiatives and encourage support.

The highlight of the event was the arrival of Shaykh Allaudin Al-Bakri at around 12:15 PM. As an esteemed Islamic scholar and the founder of numerous nonprofits, Shaykh Al-Bakri is an influential figure in both local and national interfaith dialogue. His presence drew a captivated audience, eager to hear his insights on the significance of Eid and its broader implications.

In his eloquent speech, Shaykh Al-Bakri delved into the Islamic understanding of Eid as a celebration of completion and unity. He eloquently linked the diversity within nature to human diversity, illustrating how different races, genders, and skin colors contribute to a richer, more vibrant world. His message underscored the idea that diversity enhances discovery and understanding, making our global society more dynamic and interconnected.

Addressing the situation in Gaza, Shaykh Al-Bakri spoke from personal experience about the challenges and hardships faced by the people there. He stressed the importance of distinguishing between the actions of individuals and broader ethnic or national groups, advocating for peace and individual accountability over prejudice.

Shaykh El-Bakri shaking hands with Lieutenant Raul Martinez, SJECCD PD

Expanding on the theme of value and wealth, Shaykh Al-Bakri reflected on the immeasurable worth of health and capabilities, such as eyesight and mobility, which surpass any material wealth. His reflections prompted attendees to consider the profound blessings of their everyday lives that often go unrecognized.

Following his speech, which concluded around 12:55 PM, the celebration transitioned to the central green. Here, the festive spirit continued with a feast of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods catered by Holy Land Restaurant, featuring falafel wraps, chicken wraps, salads, and an array of dips.

The joyous mood extended to playful activities, with the distribution of a hundred goodie bags and the enthusiastic breaking of two piñatas, adding an element of fun and excitement for all ages.

The event concluded at 2:00 PM, leaving participants with a deepened appreciation for the cultural and spiritual dimensions of Eid Al-Fitr, enriched by educational insights and a strong sense of community solidarity.