Home > ILDC Articles > Eid ul-Fitr

Eid ul-Fitr Celebration

Eid-ul-Fitr Celebration at The Islamic Academy of Columbia, SC

30 August 2011

On Tuesday morning, 30 August, history was made in the Muslim community in Columbia, SC. The coordinated efforts of Imams Omar Shaheed, of Masjid As-Salaam located at 5119 Monticello Rd, and Imam Louay Khatib the Imam at Islamic Academy of Columbia, located at 2304 Kneece Rd, Columbia, SC. The two Imams and their respective congregations  met for the first time for the Eid prayers and festivities in a single location. Imam Khatib led the prayers delivered a very spirited Eid Khutbah on the importance Tauheed in Islam and of unity amongst Muslims. The sermon was delivered to a gathering of over 500 Muslims at the Islamic Academy. The spirit of unity, brotherhood and joy was manifested amongst the believers after the prayers and was truly a testimony that brought about great hope for even greater cooperation for future social and community activities.  

  
One of Chaplain Hulwe's primary responsibilities as a Muslim Chaplain is to protect the religious accommodations and special needs of the Muslim Soldiers and Family members on Fort Jackson. During the month of Fasting, the needs of Muslim Soldiers become more pronounced than during any other time of the year. Chaplain Hulwe was instrumental in coordinating with the Soldier’s chain of command to ensure their presence during this year's Eid prayers and festivities. This effort also enabled the Soldier's Non-Commissioned Officer leadership, the opportunity to witness for the first time an Islamic worship service. There were three NCO's in attendance during the service.
 
The writer of this article, Chaplain (LTC) Abdul-Rasheed Muhammad was blessed to be in attendance with his family who currently reside in Columbia, SC.  Chaplain Muhammad's family also attends Jumu'ah prayers at both the Islamic Academy as well as Masjid As-Salaam while he’s currently on assignment at Aberdeen Proving Ground, in Aberdeen, MD.  

This community milestone is merely a reflection of the continued efforts of Imam Shaheed; also a contract Imam on Fort Jackson, and Chaplain (MAJ) Abdullah Hulwe, Muslim chaplain currently assigned to Fort Jackson. These two Muslim leaders have worked closely together during this past year, attending to the religious needs of the Muslims Soldiers and Family members on Fort Jackson. Imam Shaheed, a student and follower of the late Imam W. Deen Mohammed, has worked continuously in the Muslim community throughout the greater Southeastern region of the U.S. for well over 30 years. I recall him mentioning on several occasions in the past, "we are long past due, the Muslims here in Columbia, being more in unison with one another.” This year’s Eid celebration is as good a beginning in that direction as we’ll find during any time of the year.  InshaAllah, these two communities will serve as a good and ongoing example of what right looks like throughout the entire Muslim community in America, not only during the Eid celebrations, but throughout the entire year.