BURBANK, California (November 13, 2004) – On behalf of Islamic Relief
Worldwide, our staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries across the globe, we
would like to wish you a blessed Eid al-Fitr.
Eid al-Fitr is the culmination of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, during
which 1.2 billion Muslims across the world abstain from food and drink from
dawn until dusk. Muslims also increase their good deeds, and their devotion to
God by attending their local Mosques for prayers, and increasing their charity.
During this blessed time of Eid al-Fitr, Islamic Relief offices around the world
help the less fortunate enjoy this joyous holiday by distributing toys and gifts
to orphans and needy children in more than twenty countries across the
globe.
Many Muslims opt to donate their zakah (mandatory alms charity, calculated
at 2.5% of one’s total wealth) during this month due to increased rewards.
Islamic Relief helps facilitate this request by rapidly processing their donations
and distributing aid to the needy during Ramadan.
Also mandatory for Muslims before the end of Ramadan is Zakat al-Fitr,
charity which must be paid before the Eid al-Fitr prayers in order for one’s
fasting to count. Zakat al-Fitr is equal to to approximately $8-$10, or the
amount a person would pay for himself for one meal. Islamic Relief also
faciliates this request by processing Zakat al-Fitr donations, and using it to
distribute food to needy people across the world, fulfilling the request of its
donors.
Once again, we wish you a peaceful and blessed Eid al-Fitr.
Arif Shaikh from Islamic Relief USA is available for comment or interview
regarding Eid al-Fitr, as well as Islamic Relief projects for the needy during
this holiday.
**Note: Most Muslims in the United States are celebrating Eid al-Fitr on
Sunday, November 14.