Breaking the Fast
Observing Eid at home and around the world
As Muslims across the country and around the world conclude their Ramadan observance, they celebrate Eid al-Fitr, “The Feast of Breaking the Fast,” with food, gifts, prayer, and cheerful meetups with family and friends.
Since 2001, several U.S. stamps featuring the work of renowned calligrapher Mohamed Zakariya of Arlington, Virginia, have marked this special occasion.
The current Eid stamp, first issued in 2016, reads Eidukum mubarak, “May your Eid be blessed,” while the stylized olive branch connotes abundance, family, hospitality, and peace.
This stamp also commemorates the other major Islamic holiday, Eid al-Adha, “The Feast of the Sacrifice,” which occurs approximately two months and ten days after Eid al-Fitr. Marking the end of the hajj, the annual period of pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, Eid al-Adha again brings a joyful day of prayer and feasting.
Both holidays are a fine time to wish your Muslim friends and neighbors Eidukum mubarak — perhaps in a note or card that brings the celebration right to their mailbox.