The Green Hills Library is hosting an Eid Clothing Bazaar through March 30.
By Kelly White
The Islamic calendar has two major holidays each year: Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan and celebrates an entire month of fasting, and Eid al-Adha, the festival of the sacrifice that occurs during the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage season. It takes place two lunar months after Ramadan. Each Eid celebrates a spiritual renewal after a period of sacrifice and devotion.
Eid al-Fitr occurs at the end of Ramadan, taking place this year from April 10 through April 12. After an entire month of fasting and extra prayer, Muslims are sad to bid Ramadan and its spiritual atmosphere good-bye, but also excited to celebrate their efforts with a holiday.
The festivities begin early on Eid day with the traditional takbeerat and communal prayers. Celebrants show up in their loveliest clothing to pray together, embrace all of their friends, and wish each other “Eid mubarak.”
Helping families prepare for the holiday is the Green Hills Public Library with an Eid Clothing Bazaar.
“We are very excited to be hosting this event again this year,” Kris Sumner, Youth Programming Librarian at Green Hills Public Library, said. “The drive is an exciting opportunity for the community to help Muslim families in need as they celebrate one of their most sacred holidays. A large part of the celebration of Eid, in addition to festive meals, charity, and social gatherings, is dressing up and wearing new clothes. Not every family is able to do that. So, this drive and bazaar are meant to help families with just that by providing clothing free of charge.”
Sumner is responsible for organizing the Eid Clothing Bazaar at the library, 10331 Interlochen Dr., Palos Hills.
“I was inspired to host the drive and bazaar last year and to continue these events this year because of the beauty and tradition that I saw in the season of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid, and I strongly believe that everyone’s holidays are important and that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in their traditions without having to worry about how to do it,” Sumner said.
Green Hills Public Library staff members need the community’s help in filling its racks with clothing for men, women, and children over the age of 3 that would be appropriate for celebrating Eid.
Now through March 30, the library will be accepting gently used clothing items right at the Youth Services Desk.
“By hosting these events, our library is demonstrating our commitment to our community and the patrons we are privileged to serve,” Sumner said. “This is a very special time of year, so we ask that all donated clothes be clean and in good repair.”
All types of clothing will be accepted, from modest to more modern clothing, that would be fitting to wear for a festive holiday or celebration. The library will not be accepting any baby clothes, shoes or household items.
All patrons are welcome to donate, as well as participate during or attend the bazaar on the day of the event.
“Ultimately, the success of this event last year demonstrates just how much our community cares for its members, and that is something I am very proud of,” Sumner said.
The Eid Clothing Bazaar will take place on Friday, April 5, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the library.