The Muslim Students Society (MSS) in collaboration with the Campus Activities Board celebrated Eld el-Fitr at the American University of Nigeria (AUN) on the 13th May 2021. A special Eid feast was held in the open space between AA and BB dormitories. The MSS invited the entire AUN community, not just Muslim students.
Eid-el Fitr is a Muslim festival that celebrates the end of the month-long Ramadan fast. It is one of the most significant events in the Islamic calendar. In the 9th month known as Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to dusk. Muslims also abstain from all forms of vices and strive for piety and closeness to the creator. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims all around the world celebrate Ramadan with family and friends feasting.
The AUN MSS event began at 8 pm with an opening prayer by the MSSN Ameer or leader. With halal songs playing in the background, food was served. The turnout was quite impressive. “Even though it cannot be compared to home, it was beyond what I expected”, said Usman Yusuf, a Communications & Multimedia Design major.
The bright glow of the moon blanketed the night sky, highlighting décor inspired by Arabic inscriptions and Islamic affirmations. A worthy feast was spread out on tables. Plenty of food and drinks were served.
“This was actually my first time attending an event like this, and I really enjoyed myself and I got to know the Islamic religion a little better. One thing I loved about the event was the kind of music that was played because it is my kind of music. I would also encourage the organizers to continue pulling such kinds of events because it’ll get people to know and understand the Islamic religion better”. Said Christopher Azubuike Nwusulor.
The event was organized to not only celebrate Eid on Campus for students who were unable to travel and be with their families but it was also aimed at bringing the AUN community together irrespective of creed or faith.
“Ramadan has been really great, better than I even expected given that we are in school. The Eid feast was really great. It made people feel at home”, AUN-MSS Ameer, Yahya Mafindi Said.
“I was part of the organizers so I can’t really say if the event was fruitful but I believe that it was successful and one of the best events MSSN has done so far,” said Najeeb Lawal Yusuf.
Closing prayers did not signal the end of the event as eating and photograph sessions continued long into the night. The Eid Feast 2021 was indeed a night to remember.
Reported by Halimatu Muawiyah