Celebrating American diversity, the United States Postal Service has dedicated Eid Greetings Forever Stamp in recognition of the two most important festivals in the Islamic calendar – Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Muslim Americans have welcomed the dedication as celebration of America’s multicultural complexion. The dedication of Eid stamps marks continuation of the dedication stamps for the Postal Service began in 2001.
A ceremony, marking the event was held recently at the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn , Michigan. It also featured performances by the Muslim American Youth Academy (MAYA) Students, Islamic Center of America; and the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1139.
The USPS said as with the previous Eid releases, the stamp features the work of world-renowned calligrapher, Mohamed Zakariya of Arlington, VA, who worked with art director Ethel Kessler to create this design.
“As one of the nation’s oldest public service institutions, the Postal Service considers it a tremendous honor to celebrate the diversity of this great nation through our commemorative stamps,” said Detroit Postmaster Derron Bray, who dedicated the stamp, according to a news release.
“Ours is truly a world culture, and our stamps allow us to weave together the unique threads of our national tapestry,” Bray said. “The Eid Greetings stamp exemplifies the events and cultures that make America unique in the world of history.”
The Post Service said Bray was joined at the stamp dedication by Barbara McQuade, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan; Sam Salamey, chief judge, Dearborn’s 19th District Court in Michigan; Albert Harp, retired educator and emeritus trustee, Islamic Center of America; Samie Rehman, manager, Revenue and Forecasting, Postal Service; Fouad Khalil, communication specialist, Information Technology, Postal Service; and Zena Elayan, student, Chamberlain College.
The USPS also explained the meaning of Islamic festivals.
On Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, Muslims wish each other Eidukum mubarak, the phrase shown in Islamic calligraphy on the stamp, evoking centuries of tradition. Eidukum mubarak translates literally as “May your Eid be bountiful (or blessed),” a phrase that can be applied to both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
The first day of the Muslim lunar month of Shawwal, Eid al-Fitr signifies “The Feast of Breaking the Fast.” This festival marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting.
Eid al-Adha, “The Feast of the Sacrifice,” occurs approximately two months and 10 days after Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Adha comes at the end of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.
