On Monday, March 31st, Ramapo High School students enjoyed a day off from school for the Muslim holiday, Eid. For those that are unfamiliar with the holiday, Eid marks the end of Ramadan, a month-long fast that is seen as a physical and spiritual cleansing (parade.com). Eid is celebrated twice per year; the first being a three-day celebration called Eid al-Fitr, which is dedicated to the breaking of the fast (parade.com). Ramapo senior and Muslim student Jana Elzarka comments, “Eid is important to me because it’s a time of deep spiritual meaning, community, and joy. After fasting for a month for Ramadan, Eid-al-Fitr feels like a celebration of self-discipline and gratitude while also gaining closeness to God.” Eid al-Adha, the second celebration of the year, lasts four days and is dedicated to the end of Muslims’ annual pilgrimage to Mecca (parade.com).
Eid is celebrated in numerous ways by Muslims. Some head over to the mosque for a special morning prayer as the sun rises, initiating the final break of fasting. Others exchange gifts with their family (parade.com). Despite New Jersey having the largest Muslim population in the United States at 3%, most public high schools do not close for the holiday (northjersey.com). However, taking off for Eid is recognized as an excused absence in all New Jersey public schools with a permission slip signed by a religious official at their mosque (CAIR New Jersey).
Ramapo High School has historically remained open for Eid. However, last year, numerous Muslim students from the Ramapo-Indian Hills district attended multiple Board of Education meetings for both the FLOW and RIH districts to advocate for the recognition of Eid as a holiday on the district calendar. Although the calendar for last year had already been decided, the board agreed that the extra snow day would be allotted to providing a day off for Eid. This year, however, students were given a full, regular day off for Eid as well as recognition on the district calendar. Much of this decision can be credited to the several speeches presented by students to the board, including one given by Ramapo senior Sarah Tauafe. Sarah says, “I’m glad that the school is working toward the inclusion of all its students — it was amazing hearing people wish me a happy Eid because they saw it labeled on the school calendar as a day off for the holiday …This recognition is not only a much smoother process, but a wonderful acknowledgement of the diversifying student population that I feel creates a more informed and welcoming environment in the school.” Ramapo senior Marita Dagher, who also celebrates Eid, adds, “I find it very admirable that Ramapo not only advocates for inclusivity, but also takes action to uphold it. It is important that every student at Ramapo feels accepted and seen by their community, and giving students a day off on Eid is demonstrating exactly that.” Ramapo senior Sabine Kolkas, another participant of the holiday, comments, “I love getting off on Eid. It allows me to reset with my family and have a fun, tradition-filled weekend!”
NJ public schools across the country are continuing to recognize Eid as a sacred day for the Muslim community. Will other high schools follow in Ramapo’s steps?
