Understanding Eid ul-Fitr: A Resource for Educators and Schools

Eid ul Fitr is a day of prayer, charity, and community

Overview: What Is Eid ul-Fitr?

Eid ul-Fitr is one of the most important holidays in Islam. It marks the end of Ramadan, a month-long period during which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. The word “Eid” means celebration, and “Fitr” refers to breaking the fast. Eid is a time of renewal, gratitude, and community connection. It is comparable in significance to holidays such as Christmas or Yom Kippur.

Ramadan: The Month Before Eid

To understand Eid, it’s helpful to understand Ramadan. During this month, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and certain activities during daylight hours. But the fast is also spiritual—focusing on self-discipline, compassion, and prayer. Ramadan is a time for service, generosity, and reflection on one’s relationship with God.

What Happens on Eid ul-Fitr?

Eid begins with a community prayer held shortly after sunrise. Families gather at mosques or open fields to attend the service. Before the prayer, Muslims give a charitable donation known as Zakat al-Fitr, which supports those in need so everyone can participate in the celebration.

The rest of the day is spent visiting family and friends, sharing meals, and exchanging greetings such as “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid). Children often receive gifts and wear new clothes, and families host gatherings to mark the occasion.

Guidance for Schools

Excused Absences

Muslim students may request to be excused from school to observe Eid ul-Fitr. Like other major religious holidays, Eid is a mandatory religious observance. Denying an excused absence may violate students' rights to religious accommodation.

Classroom Awareness

Teachers may consider avoiding tests, presentations, or critical lessons on Eid. Consider giving students flexibility for makeup work.

Creating an Inclusive Environment

Acknowledging Eid in school newsletters, announcements, or multicultural programs supports a respectful, inclusive learning environment. Even a simple recognition in class can help Muslim students feel seen and respected.

Cultural Sensitivity

Fasting during Ramadan and attending late-night prayers may affect students’ energy and alertness. Teachers should be aware that students who are fasting may need extra consideration during the school day.

Why Recognition Matters

Recognizing Eid ul-Fitr promotes equity and respects the religious practices of Muslim families. It reinforces the message that all students—regardless of faith—are valued members of the school community. This small step helps build a stronger, more inclusive school culture.

How the Shia Muslim Foundation Can Help

The Shia Muslim Foundation provides resources to help educators, administrators, and schools better understand Islamic practices. We advocate for religious accommodation and help foster dialogue and understanding across communities.

Contact

If your school would like a sample Eid excuse letter or more information, please contact us directly through our website or social media channels. We are happy to support your efforts toward inclusion and understanding.

SMF EMERGENCY ALERT: Shia Muslim Green Card Holders Advised to Avoid International Travel Immediately

EMERGENCY ALERT

Attention: All Green Card Holders

March 18, 2025: Effective immediately, the Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) strongly advises all Shia Muslim U.S. lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) to avoid all international travel until further notice.

Background:

Recent alarming developments indicate that green card holders traveling abroad are facing detainment, deportation, and re-entry denials upon returning to the United States.

Documented Cases & Policy Changes:

Detainment and Deportation:

Reports have emerged of lawful permanent residents being detained at U.S. airports upon re-entry. In a recent case, a German national with a green card was detained and subjected to extensive interrogation at Logan Airport in Boston. (The Guardian)

Universities Warning Students & Faculty:

Brown University has issued a travel warning to international students and faculty following an incident where a professor with a green card was denied re-entry into the U.S. and deported. (WSJ)

Policy Changes Increasing Risk:

The current administration is implementing stricter travel bans targeting multiple countries. Green card holders are facing heightened scrutiny, with reports of some losing their legal status upon re-entry. (Boundless)

SMF Travel Advisory & Recommendations:

✔ Do NOT Travel: Cancel or postpone any international travel plans immediately.

✔ Stay Informed: Follow SMF alerts and monitor official U.S. immigration updates.

✔ Seek Legal Advice: If international travel is unavoidable, consult an immigration attorney immediately.

Critical Warning:

• Green card holders who leave the U.S. risk being denied re-entry and could face deportation.

• Authorities are increasingly revoking green cards at U.S. ports of entry.

• Failure to comply with this advisory could result in loss of permanent resident status.

For Further Assistance, Contact SMF:

📧 Email: farhana@shiamuslimfoundation.com

🌐 Website: www.shiamuslimfoundation.com

📍 Office Address: Washington, D.C.

SMF is committed to protecting the rights and safety of the Shia Muslim community and all lawful residents facing unjust immigration policies. We will continue advocating for those impacted by these developments.

Shia Muslim Foundation Calls for Prayers for Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Ishaq Fayadh

WASHINGTON DC - March 12, 2025. The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) extends its heartfelt prayers and well wishes for the swift and complete recovery of Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Ishaq Fayadh, who was recently hospitalized due to a critical health condition. By the grace of God and the prayers of the faithful, his condition has since stabilized, but continued supplications are requested.

Grand Ayatollah Fayadh is a renowned 93-year-old Islamic scholar and one of the most respected religious leaders in Shia Islam. A Grand Ayatollah (or Marja' al-Taqlid, meaning "Source of Emulation") is a senior Islamic scholar whose interpretations of religious law serve as guidance for millions of Shia Muslims worldwide. In Shia Islam, these scholars dedicate their lives to studying theology, jurisprudence, and ethics, and their rulings shape religious practice and everyday life for their followers.

Grand Ayatollah al-Fayadh is one of the few Islamic Shia Ayatollahs who are in favor of women in positions of political leadership. In June 2018 an article was written on a Persian website, which was later translated into English. There the Islamic position of Ayatollah al-Fayadh concerning the position of women in Islamic society was discussed, citing his book 'Jāyegāh Zan dar Nizām Siyāsīyeh Islām' (English title: 'The position of women in the Islamic political system') on that subject. "In response to some jurisprudential questions concerning the role of women in society, he declared it permissible for women to take any of the three following positions: political leader, judge and religious jurisconsult."

The article continues to explain al-Fayadh' opinion concerning women and the different positions they can take in society: "It is irrespective of whether this is a social position like politics or an individual one like being a driver, a pilot, etc. With this reasoning he believes that in all spheres of life, be it social, individual, ideological, freedom of expression, business, financial trading, land cultivation, etc. women and men are completely equal."

Originally from Afghanistan, Grand Ayatollah Fayadh has lived in Najaf, Iraq, for decades, where he has played a key role in shaping modern Shia religious thought. Najaf is home to the Hawza, a prestigious center for Islamic learning, where he has mentored countless students and scholars. He is widely recognized for his contributions to Islamic jurisprudence and his advocacy for social justice, education, and the protection of religious minorities. His leadership, wisdom, and scholarly work have made a lasting impact on the global Muslim community.

In times of illness, prayers (du’a) are a fundamental part of Islamic tradition, as believers turn to God for healing and mercy. The Shia Muslim Foundation humbly requests all people of goodwill, to pray for Grand Ayatollah Fayadh’s recovery. His guidance and scholarship are invaluable to the millions who look to him for religious and ethical direction.

As one of the most senior figures in Shia Islam, his presence is not only important to his followers but to the broader interfaith and global community, where he has been a voice for peace and understanding.

The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the civic rights of American Shia Muslims, advocating on social and political issues, and promoting the rights and welfare of Shia Muslims worldwide. Through education, outreach, and advocacy, SMF works to foster understanding and cooperation between religious communities while addressing challenges faced by Shia Muslims.