April 10th 2024.
Great news for students in South Florida! They now have the day off for the Islamic Holiday of Eid Al-Fitr. The counties of Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, and Broward have made the decision to close their schools in observance of the end of Ramadan. This special day was marked on Wednesday, April 10, and was officially authorized by the schools for the 2023-2024 year. It is also expected that there will be no classes on March 31 of next year, which is the anticipated date for the holiday.
For those who may not be familiar, Eid Al-Fitr is a three-day celebration that begins with the sighting of the new moon. It is a significant event that marks the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan, where Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. This new accommodation is a relief for Islamic parents who were previously concerned about their children missing school on this important day. As Samir Kakli, president of the South Florida Muslim Federation, says, "Students will be able to celebrate the day in religious tradition with their family and friends without worrying about having to miss school."
Traditionally, the first day of Eid is celebrated with a special prayer at the mosque, where Muslims dress in their finest attire. The rest of the holiday includes various events such as concerts and festivals, which bring families together in celebration.
According to the Palm Beach Post, the Palm Beach County school board approved the closures in 2022. However, they faced backlash from some parents who were not in favor of recognizing the Muslim holiday. Unfortunately, there were even those who used Islamophobic language, with one person stating that it aligns with "the worst of violence and bigotry."
Despite the negativity, Muslim parents are grateful for this new development. They no longer have to worry about their children missing out on their education in order to participate in their religious customs. As Imran Siddiqui, a father of four, expressed to the board, "I'm old enough to remember what it was like to have to choose between taking an exam or celebrating your holiday with your family. It's reassuring and nice to know that my kids and other kids will not be forced to make that same decision."
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