A day of joy – Eid ul Fitr 2017

Almost 1.5 billion of muslims on Earth said goodbye to the month of Ramadan. Muslims in Lithuania started celebrations on the 25th of June with a collective prayer in their local mosque or prayer house, as that is the proper way to mark the ending of this special month.

After the festive prayer and the imam’s khutbah (sermon), the participants congratulated each other and gave their best regards. Traditionally, after this festive prayer, the muslim community in Lithuania hurry to meet in one place, where they could congratulate the members of the community who live in different corners of Lithuania, and celebrate together. For the second year in a row the meeting took place in the Forty Tatars village muslim community center.

Organization of the festivities of “Eid ul Fitr 2017”

Fasting according to the Lithuanian sunset is very challenging for each and every one of us, so in order to organize this celebration we needed motivated and brave volunteers, and also funds. Even though there was support, most of it came from private people and a few organizations. Still, the lack of funds was huge. The rising prices in the services sector required additional financial support, so this time the participants of the celebration had to pay a symbolic price of 5 euros for one adult and 10 euros for one family (irrespective of the number of people). This fee allowed to buy more gifts, order more outdoor entertainment and also lunch – uzbek pilaff.

As it was planned in the program of the celebration, the community leader and imam gave festive speeches, there was a quiz for children and adults, also a Qur’an recitation contest. The celebration didn’t end without surprises – an ensemble from a nearby village was invited by the community leader to congratulate muslims with the celebration. They performed a few songs in several languages.

There were meaningful gifts for everyone who participated in the quiz and the recitation contest. As the feast came to an end, the organizers distributed gifts for all children under 11 years old.

All our efforts and community spirit allowed us to create a festive mood that everyone could enjoy, alhamdulillah.

More photos you can see in the Facebook: Forty Tatars village

Comments by the participants

Benita (from Kaunas) is writing to us:

Gifts for all children under 11 years old

Because this was only my second Eid ul Fitr and I had never been to the Fourty Tatar village, I decided to join the community celebration there. I came by minibus from Kaunas along with a few other sisters, so we arrived before the celebration started. It was very interesting to visit the Fourty Tatar Mosque and to visit the community center. I felt a bit shy as I spoke very little russian and didn‘t know most of the people, but it was great to feel the joyous Eid ul Fitr mood. It was a lot of fun to participate in the contests organized by the community and check what I know about Ramadan, Eid and the holy Qur‘an. After that and until Dhuhr prayer I spent most of my time in the mosque looking at the pictures and admiring the surroundings. After the prayer I spent some time in the community browsing through literature and also communicating with others. In the middle of the celebration I felt very happy, that we were blessed with beautiful weather, and, with the blessings of Allah, we could all enjoy ourselves and celebrate outside.

I think the celebration was organized well, but the fact that I did not know most of the people caused some difficulties for me. There was a lot of entertainment for families with small children, and it was a great pleasure to paint along with everyone else. Moreover, it was truly amazing to recite Qur‘an for the first time in front of everyone. I think it will be one of the reasons why this celebraion will remain in my memory for long. I am very thankful that I had an opportunity to celebrate Eid ul Fitr this year with so much joy.

Elvyna (from Vilnius-Krymas) is writing to us:

Спасибо огромное и благословения Всевышнего, за организацию прекрасного праздника „Ураза-Байрам“! Хочется пожелать вам роста в вашей деятельности и чтоб каждый год такие мероприятия становились ещё более качественней и обширней. Xотелось бы в следующем году услышать нашиды. Ну и конечно же хотелось и „Къурбан-Байрам“ встретить так же прекрасно.

Атмосфера была прекрасной, ещё раз всем спасибо.

Vilma (from Rokiskis) is writing to us:

Alhamdullah, here it is, the holy month of Ramadan has passed. As last year we gathered once again to celebrate the Id-ul-Fitr feast in Forty Tatars village. On arrival everyone was accompanied by a wide smile, good spirits and voices wishing “Eid Mubarak“ to everyone.

It’s great to see old members of the community or meet new ones who come to Lithuania from different countries. It seems like the whole world fits in a small village of Lithuania. Everyone had the opportunity to chat, try archery, take part in quizzes or taste delicious food, which after a month of fasting has completely different meaning.

To me, this beautiful celebration of joy and gratitude is another reminder of the blessings of Allah in every day.

Paulius (Klaipeda) is writing to us:

The Forty Tatars village muslim community center

For me it was second Ramadan which was followed by the second celebration of Eid ul Fitr. After amazing month of fasting and collective iftars with brothers in Klaipeda it was really nice to meet old friends and find some new ones in Forty Tatars Village. It is very interesting to discuss with brothers who live in other Lithuanian cities and who came here from all over the world. These meetings are making us united. During them we forget differences and disagreements. During them we learn something new. I’m happy that this year I had enough courage to take a part in Quran recitation contest with other brothers too. It was very nice to attend this celebration second time and I hope that other participants liked it same as I did.

Jurgita (from Vilnius) is writing to us:

It is nice to see so many people, brothers and sisters. Very much enjoyed activities for both children and adults. The festive mood was in the air!

And finally…

We ask Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى to accept all your efforts which you made in worship and good deeds during the month of Ramadan. May Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى accept everything what you were doing sincerely for His sake. May all your deeds be not just showing off, but may everything you did during this month of Ramadan be a reason to forgive all your sins. May Allah  سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى make you happy on the Judgement Day and reward you plentifully for all good deeds you have done during this month. Ameen.