Eid Al Fitr 2010: End of Ramadan Signaled by Eid Ul Fitr Celebrations

Eid Al Fitr 2010 signals the end of Ramadan 2010. The Muslim Community celebrates the end of 30 days of fasting, which began in August.  The Ramadan holiday is very important, as it reminds those following Islam how to be pure and practice self control. 

Eid Al Fitr is only one of two holidays observed by Muslims. It’s a day to really thank Allah for the blessing he bestows on those who follow him.

Before going to the prayer, it’s important for Muslims to eat, as on this holiday it is forbidden to fast.

The month typically goes by fast, yet Ramadan is a hard month for the Muslim community.  This year, it was overshadowed with conflicts over the Ground Zero mosque and  threats of groups of adversaries burning the Qu’ran.

                                                                                     

As Eid Al Fitr 2010 is here, how are our readers marking this end of the Ramadan month?

"Burn a Koran Day": Animosity or Insight?

"Burn a Koran Day" is the idea of Terry Jones.  Jones is getting a lot of controversial discussions going, as there are a group of Christians who are against the move, as well as the Islamic community in general.  The Obama administration has called the move blatantly "un-American", but yet the group still persists.

Not everyone hates the move.  People across the country are applauding the move, and applauding Terry Jones from not backing down in the face of adversity. 

IS Obama a Muslim? Click here to find out.

So does this depict animosity or insight? On one hand, it is a hateful move - one you would expect from radical Islamics, only instead of Korans they would burn Bibles and US Flags.  On the other hand, these people are exercising their right to free speech - a Constitutional right at that, which makes the act...I hate to say it, but very American. 

Although it's understandable to have hatred towards Muslims, energy would be better spent trying to get along, rather than protesting against one another. 

French Veil Ban Constitutional? Will An American Veil Ban Ensue?

There's a ban in France on face veils worn by many Muslim women, if a controversial law passes the French Senate.  With the tensions between the Islamic and Western worlds, will an American ban on Muslim face veils ensue? Of course, there are many factors at play - the constitutionality and world political relationships that would come into play in the American political system that may not be so strong in France.

The proposed French law is very careful not to single out Muslims, but is seen as a way to combat extremist religion. The law would fine women $185 for wearing the veil in public or make them do community service.  Those who oppress women and make them wear the veil could have a fine of up to $38,000 or up to one year in prison - double if the woman is a minor.

Many Americans have already spoke up, stating that an American veil ban would be a good idea given the tensions between the western world and Muslim society.  However one has to ask the question - doesn't banning a veil for a Muslim woman go against the very grain of American society?

America was founded as a place where you can be free from religious oppression.  This is supposed to be a place where you can practice your religion without having to worry about governmental interference.  The same liberties that were granted to those who revolted against the Church of England during the American revolution should be given to those within our society that practice any religion.

That being said, Islamic extremism can be oppressive - not always, but some people make it oppressive.  Studying Islam in and of itself isn't bad - it's a very peaceful religion if you read about it.  Practicing a religion to the point of harming others or making them act a certain way should not be tolerated. The crackdown should be on those who force Islam or Muslim ways on those that don't necessarily believe in its principles.

If you want to end Islamic extremism, banning face veils isn't the way to go about it.  We doubt highly that such a ban would be allowed here in the land of the free and home of the brave.