U.S. Postal Stamp Issued in Observance of Eid
By William B. Reincken
U.S. Information Agency
November 13, 2000
Washington -- Most U.S. postal stamps bear the pictures of late presidents,
statesmen, sports figures, wildlife scenes, inventors and one even bears
the word, LOVE. In Washington, on November 13, a beautifully simple stamp
done in calligraphy recognizes Eid, celebrated by millions of Muslim Americans
annually. Photo here
In announcing the "Eid Mubarak" stamp, the U.S. Postal Service
noted that the 33-cent stamp commemorates the two most important festivals
or eids in the Islamic calendar Eid al-Adha marks the end of the hajj,
the annual period designated for Muslims to make their pilgrimage to Mecca.
Eid al-Fitr celebrates the end of the Ramadan fast.
The stamp, which is gracefully executed in gold against a blue background,
is reminiscent of many great works of Islamic calligraphy.
Designed by calligrapher Mohamed Zakariya, the Eid stamp features the
Arabic phrase "Eid mubarak" which translates as "blessed
festival," and can be paraphrased, "May your religious holiday
be blessed."
This year, the U.S. Postal Service honored three U.S. holidays with
stamps -- Eid, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
"U.S. postage stamps are a reflection of the American experience,"
said Postmaster General William Henderson, and "inspiring subjects
and designs continue to bring history to life."
In November 1999, Representatives Dana Rohrabacher, California, and
Thomas M.Davis, Virginia, introduced legislation that a U.S. postage stamp
should be issued recognizing the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. The resolution
noted that there are more than "five million practicing Muslims in
the United States, who represent one of the fastest growing segments of
American society."
The proposed legislation noted that "those who follow the Islamic
faith are a diverse community comprised of all races, colors, and political
opinions, who make important and valuable contributions to American society
and culture."
The lawmakers noted that Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are the three
monotheistic religions of the world and that Jewish and Christian holidays
have been recognized on U.S. postage stamps but "no Islamic observance
is similarly commemorated."
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