Muslim Women of Australia Share How They Celebrate Eid-Al Fitr And What It Means To Them
New Age Islam News Bureau
24 April 2023
Muslim Women of
Australia Share How They Celebrate Eid-Al Fitr And What It Means To Them
Eid ul Fitr:
U.S.-Based Muslim Woman Preaches Peace, Unity
National Muslim
Women’s Organisation Of Trinidad and Tobago Celebrates 22 Years Of
Sisterhood
Saudi Star
Model Roz Attends Fashion Awards In Beverly Hills
Palestinian
Chilean Singer Elyanna Spotlights Arab Designer On Coachella Stage
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL:
https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/muslim-women-australia-eid/d/129634
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Muslim Women of
Australia Share How They Celebrate Eid-Al Fitr And What It Means To Them
Nada
Ogunsina, Aisha Alim and Yumna Ahmed at Eid celebrations this weekend in
Gippsland.(ABC Gippsland: Sarah Price)
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ABC Gippsland /
By Sarah Price
23 April 2023
Eid-al Fitr
marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, where many Muslims around
the world abstain from food and water during daylight hours.
The word Eid
means "feast" or "festival" in Arabic and is one of the
most significant events on the Islamic lunar calendar. Eid-al Fitr celebrates
the breaking of the fast after Ramadan ends.
Family, friends
and the wider community come together to share in the celebration, often marked
by morning prayers and delicious food.
For the
Gippsland Muslim community, Eid-al-Fitr is a significant time to unite as a
community, no matter what cultural background each Muslim may be from.
Nada Ogunsina,
a Traralgon-based educator and practising Muslim, says Eid is a special time to
connect with the community, as Muslims from all over the region come together
as one.
"Eid is a
time where I feel like we are all joined together as one Ummah (nation) and
that is really how it is supposed to be," the 24-year-old said.
"It's
exciting to see different people from different cultures come together, knowing
that we are here as Muslims for the same reason."
Living as a
Muslim in Gippsland
s Ogunsina, who
grew up in Perth and is Lebanese-Australian, moved to Gippsland a year ago with
her husband. It is her second Eid in Gippsland.
Coming into an area
where Muslims are a smaller community in comparison to Perth or Lebanon, she
said it can be difficult to adjust.
"In
Lebanon, during Eid it's usually a three-day holiday and many families stay up
all night cooking not just for their own families but also people visiting
their homes," she said.
"Lebanese
food is a very Mediterranean sort of diet and we have all sorts of Lebanese
food for Eid breakfast especially.
"I think
it can be hard adjusting in Gippsland because being here is very different even
to Melbourne for example where you can walk down the street and find Lebanese
food or ingredients easily.
"It was a
little bit difficult at first because I had to drive two-and-a-half hours away
to get Lebanese food which is not always ideal."
Ms Ogunsina, who
last visited Lebanon in 2015, said growing up in Perth helped her adjust to
feeling comfortable wearing the hijab in Gippsland.
"I found
living in Gippsland as a hijab-wearing Muslim woman quite similar to Perth in
the sense that not every second person you see is going to look like you and
speak like you," she said.
For Ms Ogunsina, having conversations with
colleagues and locals has also helped bridge misunderstandings about Eid and
Ramadan.
"Although
some people may not agree with why we fast, I feel it's important to explain to
those who are curious that Ramadan is not just about not eating food or
drinking water," she said.
"Fasting
is also about refraining from bad deeds and it's an entire spiritual month.
"For Eid,
I try not to place too much emphasis on the food as amazing as it is. We want
to maintain that spiritual connection that we've built during Ramadan."
Where culture
and faith collide
Aisha Alim is
an Australian woman who chose to become Muslim in 2017.
She runs her
own business facilitating women's programs, is a life coach and author, and is
an active member in various communities around Gippsland.
While Eid is a
significant time for Ms Alim religiously, it can also be isolating.
"Eid's
probably a little bit different for me than most Muslims in the sense that I am
breaking tradition because of the way I was brought up for over 40 years,"
she said.
"Festivals
such as Christmas and Easter were embedded in me, so celebrating Eid is still a
relatively new experience and all that it entails.
"People
need to understand that religion and culture can be quite separate from each
other."
Ms Alim, who is
a member of the United Muslim Sisters of Latrobe Valley, says celebrating Eid
is a different time for her in comparison to many other Muslims as she is an
Australian who became Muslim.
"Some of
the challenges from my perspective is that I don't have a family to celebrate
Eid with," she said.
"We need
to start recognising that it's not just certain cultures who celebrate Eid, we
also have people who are not born into the Muslim faith and it can be difficult
for us to feel included."
Transport and
places to worship around Gippsland can also be hard to find because of the
regional locality.
"I feel
the challenges of being a Muslim in a rural area in comparison to the city are
amplified because of the lack of mosques in our region," she said.
"I think
it would be a great initiative to help bring the community together on events
such as Eid because we are always struggling to find a meeting place.
"Transport
can also be a challenge because small pockets of Muslims are spread all
throughout towns in Gippsland, so having that accessibility available to
everyone to gather in one place can be difficult."
Growing
understanding of Eid in Gippsland
For Yumna
Ahmed, who is a Pakistani-Australian based in the town of Churchill, Eid is a
time when community matters most.
"Eid is a
big celebration after Ramadan, kind of like Christmas to put it in relatable
terms here," Ms Ahmed said.
"It's
about connection, about celebration, about bringing people together."
The mental
health worker, who moved to Gippsland when she was 16 years old from Pakistan,
says explaining what Eid means can be difficult.
"In
Pakistan, Eid is a whole four-day event which begins the day before Eid,"
she said.
"People
over there connect with their families, there is a lot of shopping and the
night before Eid women usually get henna tattoos on their hands.
"In
Australia, it can be difficult getting time off for Eid and sometimes you have
to work through your holidays. To explain the concept and its significance to
us can be difficult."
Ms Ahmed also
said while it was difficult at first to explain Eid in Gippsland to colleagues
and friends, there is now a growing understanding in the region and people often
wish her Eid Mubarak (happy Eid).
"I think
it would surprise people how multicultural Gippsland actually is," she
said.
"It's an
amazing place with amazing people and I wouldn't want to live anywhere
else."
Source: abc.net.au
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-23/muslims-in-regional-victoria-celebrate-eid/102252218
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Eid ul Fitr: U.S.-Based Muslim Woman Preaches Peace, Unity
Photo: News
Laundry Online.com
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April 23, 2023
By Cecilia
Ologunagba
Mrs Maimuna
Isa, a U.S.-based Nigerian Muslim, has called on Nigerians at home and abroad
to embrace peace, love and unity to move Nigeria forward.
Isa, the wife
of immediate past Defense Adviser at the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the
UN, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on
Saturday in New York.
NAN reports
that Isa had on Friday hosted Eid celebration in collaboration with other
Muslim sisters for the Nigerian community at Bronx, New York, bringing
Christians and Muslims together to celebrate the end of Ramadan.
Eid-el Fitri
marks the end to the month-long Ramadan fast and the commencement of Shawaal,
the 10th month of Islamic lunar calendar.
“I’ve been in
New York now for over six years and I noticed how other nationalities observe
the Muslim Eid celebrations with nothing similar being done by Nigerians.
“This is
acknowledging our flamboyance when it comes to “owanbe”, this gave birth to the
Nigerian Eid celebrations committee New York.
“Our maiden
celebration was held on Friday and will subsequently hold Eid celebration in New
York annually,’’ she said.
Isa told NAN
that the importance of the event was for all Nigerians, irrespective of their
religious affiliation, to come together to celebrate “our oneness, unity and
togetherness.
“The event was
meant to bring us all together as one to share love and merriment so our
message to Nigerians is to love one another and be united,’’ she said.
NAN learnt that
the wife of the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the UN, Mrs Aishatu
Muhammad-Bande, was among prominent Nigerians that were present at the event.
(NAN)
Source:
newsdiaryonline.com
https://newsdiaryonline.com/Eid
ul Fitr-u-s-based-muslim-woman-preaches-peace-unity/
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National Muslim
Women’s Organisation Of Trinidad and Tobago Celebrates 22 Years Of Sisterhood
Women
Empowerment Editor
23 April 2023
The National
Muslim Women’s Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago (NMWOTT) primary objective
is to foster sisterhood and promote the advancement of women in Trinidad and
Tobago. Incorporated over twenty years under the visionary Feroza (Rose)
Mohammed, to support each other and educate all persons and their communities
spiritually, socially, and culturally. Within the sisterhood, the values of
graciousness are upheld, and needs are attended to compassionately, in both
good times and times of trial. This organisation was formed not to change
anyone’s belief but instead, to create an atmosphere of friendship, peace,
love, and harmony. ‘As we move further into the 21st century, we wish to
maintain a vibrant and dynamic organisation with a close-knit Islamic
sisterhood. As Muslim women, we must take positions at the forefront, as
contributors to our society in every way. May God bless this organisation, move
us from strength to strength and keep us solid as a rock with unity and harmony,”
shared by the entire NMWOTT executive.
Food Security
Initiative–25,000 seedlings distributed
Food security
isn’t just a question of the availability of food, nor of the financial
resources to access it. People must also have consistent access to quality,
nutritious foods to ensure food security. It is reported that “If women had the
same access to agro-economic resources as men, agricultural and farming
production would increase and we could feed approximately 150 million more
people.” (FAO, 2021). The National Muslim Women’s Organisation of Trinidad and
Tobago distributed twenty-five thousand seedlings to schools to commemorate
World Environment Day 2022. This is also part of our ongoing project, “Let’s
Plant for Food Security”. The objective of this project is to encourage
children to plant food, eat fresh local foods, share the food which is produced
as well as save money and reduce the food import bill. We hope to make this a
sustainable project by continuing to encourage the growing of plants that
provide food and improve the health and wellness of our communities.
Anti-bullying
campaign and empowering projects
Bullying is a
reality for a considerable proportion of adolescents around the world and in
Trinidad and Tobago, it is no different. In 2017, we launched our campaign on
anti-bullying with “FACES of Kindness” which we presented to various primary
and secondary schools. The objective of this project was to build self-esteem,
and arouse awareness of how acts of violence that occur at school or home can
be reported and dealt with.
To reach a
wider cross-section of schools, in 2018, our educational symposium for post-SEA
and Form One students was conceptualised. Over 500 students attended
“Transitioning from Primary to Secondary School” at SAPA, San Fernando. The
students were treated as dynamic performers and presenters with positive
elements on managing bullying, stealing, fighting, extremism, substance abuse,
and alternatives to the norms.
This project
was a tremendous success and as a result, in 2019, we hosted over three hundred
girls at yet another empowering session “Just for Girls”. Topics delivered
were: “You and Your Body”, “Etiquette and Table Manners” and performances by
Arts in Action and Girl Be Heard. This
year after a three-year Covid break, we are extending this symposium at a more
inclusive level, hosting “Just for Boys” on 17th May 2023 at SAPA.
Protecting all
families, and our children (boys and girls) against violence is the path
towards more peaceful and inclusive societies, as called for by UN SDG 16
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. To fully realize their potential,
children require a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment in which to grow,
learn, thrive and succeed. Towards this desired outcome, the commitment of
NMWOTT is guaranteed.
Message for Eid
Eid-ul-Fitr is
one of the most revered festivals for Muslims all over the world and
commemorates the end of the holy month of Ramadan. A month of self-restraint,
piety, generosity, and spiritual strength.The National Muslim Women’s
Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago wishes that on this special day, you and
your family be blessed by the grace of Almighty Allah with unlimited joy, good
health, prosperity, and happiness. We must remember that Allah is always with
us, to guide and help us, in every step of life. Despite the challenges we face
in our daily lives, live a daily life of kindness, compassion, and humility so
we can make our society a better one.
Eid Mubarak
2023
Zenobia S
Mohammed
Source: guardian.co.tt
https://www.guardian.co.tt/article/national-muslim-womens-organisation-of-tt-celebrates-22-years-of-sisterhood-6.2.1689113.2ac7355e2b
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Saudi star
Model Roz attends fashion awards in Beverly Hills
April 24, 2023
DUBAI: Saudi
social media influencer Model Roz attended The Daily Front Row's Seventh Annual
Fashion Los Angeles Awards at The Beverly Hills Hotel on Sunday and opted for
an all-white look for the occasion.
The Los
Angeles-based model showed off a cut-out dress by celebrity-adored label Monot,
which was founded by Beirut-born designer Eli Mizrahi.
The
brand-of-the-moment has been flaunted by the likes of US model Hailey Bieber,
French model Cindy Bruna, US socialites Paris Hilton and Kourtney Kardashian
and Jordanian Romanian designer Amina Muaddi, among others.
The brand won
the Emerging Brand of the Year prize at the awards ceremony that was hosted by
former stylist and fashion industry heavyweight Law Roach.
Meanwhile,
Gwyneth Paltrow’s G. Label by Goop won Powerhouse Brand of the Year as Kate and
Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte won Designers of the Year and British grooming guru
Chris Appleton won the Hair Artist of the Year award.
For her part,
Model Roz, who prefers to go by her social media name, paired her Monot dress
with white Jimmy Choo heels and accessories by Raven Fine Jewelers in an outfit
styled by Mikiel Benyamin.
The Jubail-born
Riyadh-raised model, who currently has 14.8 million followers on Instagram,
made headlines around the world in 2019 when she modelled for a Victoria’s
Secret’s Pink campaign, showing off the label’s sportswear in a sun-drenched
video.
The model, with
her signature platinum blonde locks, has also taken part in campaigns for US
brand Guess and launched a makeup range with The Balm.
Roz moved to
the US in 2013 to pursue a degree in interior design, but her hopes of becoming
a model pushed her to give it a shot.
“Ever since I
was young, becoming a model was always a dream of mine. It was a bit difficult
for me as a Saudi woman… but to me nothing is impossible” Roz previously told
Arab News.
Challenging
stereotypes proved to be one of the major hurdles Roz had to face, but “with my
persistence, I was able to prove to brands that I am not just famous… I am also
influential to many people,” Roz said.
The model’s
Instagram feed is littered with photographs of her various advertising
campaigns, as well as visits to many a product launch party — from NYX
Cosmetics events to TikTok gatherings, if there is anything pop culture-related
going on in Los Angeles, chances are you will spot Roz in the well-heeled
crowd.
Source: arabnews.com
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2291981/lifestyle
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Palestinian
Chilean singer Elyanna spotlights Arab designer on Coachella stage
April 23, 2023
DUBAI:
Palestinian Chilean singer Elyanna, who is the first artist to perform a full
set in Arabic at California’s Coachella festival, performed her second set at
the two-weekend festival in an ensemble by Egyptian designer RafikZaki.
Coachella is a
popular music festival that is held annually in Indio, California. Elyanna, who
is famous for her songs “Ghareeb Alay,” “Ala Bali” and “Ana Lahale” with
Canadian Lebanese singer Massari, also set a precedent as the first Palestinian
artist to perform at the event.
“Coachella is
the biggest festival in the world and… there’s going to be Arabic singing and
Arabic language there and tabla and all the fun stuff our culture has…” the Los
Angeles-based singer previously told Arab News.
The singer is
aiming high and has been working on recording new music for her fans.
“Right now, I’m
working on an album that I’m very excited about. It’s very different. I feel
like it’s like the real Elyanna. So, I’m very excited,” she told Arab
News.
Elyanna’s music
is a mix of Arabic and Western beats, something that the singer ascribes to her
multinational upbringing.
She began
singing at a young age, and, after moving from Nazareth to the United States at
15. She was discovered by fellow Palestinian musician and producer NasriAtweh,
marking the start of her career.
“He introduced
me to Sal (Lebanese Canadian entrepreneur WassimSlaiby, who is the CEO of
record label XO and the manager of Canadian superstar The Weeknd). I remember I
sang “At Last” to Sal. He was very impressed. I was very nervous, too. And then
I met Massari, and we made ‘Ana Lahale,’ which is such a crazy thing,” she
recalled.
“The hardest
thing in my career, which also happens to be the most enjoyable, is being
myself,” she added. “There are no rules when it comes to that. I am always
revealing my truest self through my music.”
Source: arabnews.com
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2291641/lifestyle
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URL:
https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/muslim-women-australia-eid/d/129634