US Muslims Tone Down Eid, a Holiday Falling on Anniversary of 9/11 Terrorist Attacks
Joyful as they were, Muslims across the country consciously made this Eid celebration somewhat somber to show respect. The date of the holiday, which is determined by the lunar calendar, coincides with the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
“Brothers and sisters, now is your opportunity to show our brothers and sisters who are not Muslims, who we really are,” said Mohamed Shmohamed, Imam of the Muslim Center in Silver Spring in his Eid sermon. “And the best way we can show them is through our manners, proper etiquette, and how we behave.”
…
“The true message of Islam is to know and love one another and to build peace, reconciliation and understanding among all people,” said Imam Mohamed Erophat, president of the Islamic Affairs Council of Maryland.
“September 11th will be a day for Muslims to get together with [their] Christian friends, Jewish friends — people from all walks of life in America to emphasize the need for unity in America,” continued Erophat.