Sometimes the interesting thing is not what happens, but what does not happen.
On this week’s Bloomington City Council agenda was a symbolic proclamation recognizing March 20 as Eid al-Fitr Day. Mayor Dan Brady removed that from the agenda and the council did not act.
The proclamation urged residents to “recognize and respect the goodness of the Islamic faith and its people, to move beyond tolerance of others who may not share religions, and learn to accept and appreciate all people in a spirit of true brotherhood, to further build Bloomington’s intercultural strengths.”
Eid al-Fitr is one of two major festivals in the Islamic faith. It marks the breaking of the monthlong dawn-to-dusk fast of Ramadan.
Brady said in a WGLT interview that there are a couple reasons for removing the item from the agenda.
“One was the fact that that particular evening, I believe, the seventh soldier was brought home after being killed in the war against Iran,” said Brady.
Brady said he had received several calls about the item from residents.
“Concerned and not understanding of what the purpose of the proclamation was, not understanding the Islamic holiday Ramadan and the end of that,” said Brady.
Eid al-Fitr is a day of thanksgiving to God. Sermons on the day usually focus on gratitude, community and maintaining the good habits learned in Ramadan of patience, self-discipline, empathy, compassion, gratitude, humility, family and community. In many parts of the Islamic world the festival involves family gatherings and small gifts to children.
“WHEREAS, this 'Eid' is a day of gathering by the people of Allah as He renews His bounties in them and distributes His blessings to His worshippers, while also calling on them to share their bounties with the needy; and WHEREAS, through the graciousness of the Islamic Center of McLean County, they have invited others of the community to witness the strength of their faith and to share their joyousness on this day; and WHEREAS, the strong and serious character of the families of the Islamic Center of McLean County have enriched the fabric of Bloomington through their faith, good deeds, substantial achievements, and commitment to the American values of 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,'" said the proclamation.
Brady said the proclamation is postponed, not abandoned.
“Talking to leadership within our own mosque here, Islamic temple in McLean County, felt that the actual date was March 20, and maybe in the next council meeting, that would be a more appropriate time to bring forth a resolution, a congratulatory resolution, that had nothing to do with any of the ongoing situations. There were concerns on all sides,” said Brady.
Brady said the proclamation may return for council action at the March 23 meeting.
“I think the main point was also that the staff or leadership at the local Islamic mosque was very much also in agreement, that maybe there was a better time that we can do this, towards the end of the month that that works out,” said Brady.
