As Ramadan’s 30 days of fasting and prayer come to a close, Eid al-Fitr exemplifies for Tempe resident Brittany Blankenship a community’s love and peace — elements that drew her to Islam since her youth, growing up outside the faith.
The holiday, which begins on Tuesday and ends Wednesday, is observed by Muslims worldwide as the conclusion of Ramadan.
Blankenship, 30, describes Ramadan as a celebration where “everyone gets together,” but was initially challenging for her after completing her shahada, or oath made to Allah. Her son, Jack, is on the autism spectrum, and as a sensory-sensitive 7-year-old, he is easily overwhelmed by the bustling atmosphere typical at mosques during Ramadan. This makes it tricky for Blankenship to pray with others.
