By Munir K. Nasser
Chief Correspondent, Washington, DC
Albawaba.com
For the first time in its history, the United States has recognized Muslim religious holidays by issuing a postal stamp to commemorate Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha, celebrated by millions of Muslim Americans annually. This year, the US Postal Service honored three US holidays with stamps – Islamic Eids, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
In announcing the "Eid Mubarak" stamp, the US Postal Service noted that the 33-cent stamp commemorates the two most important festivals or Eids in the Islamic calendar. Eid Al-Adha marks the end of the Hajj, the annual period designated for Muslims to make their pilgrimage to Mecca. Eid Al-Fitr celebrates the end of the Ramadan fast.
Most US postal stamps bear the pictures of late presidents, statesmen, sports figures, wildlife scenes, inventors and one even bears the word, LOVE. The new Eid stamp is a beautifully simple stamp done in calligraphy and gracefully executed in gold against a blue background.
Designed by calligrapher Mohammad Zakariya, the Eid stamp features the Arabic phrase "Eid Mubarak" which translates as "blessed festival," and can be paraphrased, "May your religious holiday be blessed."
According to Postmaster General William Henderson, "US postage stamps are a reflection of the American experience, and inspiring subjects and designs continue to bring history to life."
The Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) welcomed the Eid stamp and said it came as a result of the lobbying efforts by Muslim American groups. "This is one sign that the Muslim presence in America is being recognized," said CAIR Board Chairman Omar Ahmad. He added that in 1996 hundreds of Muslim children responded to a CAIR action alert by sending requests for an Eid Al-Fitr stamp to the Postmaster General.
In November 1999, congress members Dana Rohrabacher, California, and Thomas M. Davis, Virginia, introduced legislation that a US postage stamp should be issued recognizing the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. The resolution noted that there are more than "five million practicing Muslims in the United States, who represent one of the fastest growing segments of American society."
The proposed legislation noted that "those who follow the Islamic faith are a diverse community comprised of all races, colors, and political opinions, who make important and valuable contributions to American society and culture."
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
