Eid Greetings Forever Stamp 2016
The inception of Eid, or celebration, traces back to the epochal Battle of Badr, where the esteemed Muslim prophet Muhammad convened with his followers following a resounding victory.
In the crucible of history, in the year 622, the Muslim community was compelled to flee their abodes in Mecca due to relentless religious persecution, seeking refuge in Medina. There, amid the trials of exile, they resorted to raiding caravans traversing the trade route to Mecca, both as a means of economic sustenance and as a reprisal for the injustices wrought upon them.
During the vernal season of 624, the pivotal Battle of Badr unfolded, as a caravan laden with goods embarked on its journey to Mecca. Sensing an opportunity, Muhammad, accompanied by a modest contingent of 313 men, embarked on a mission to intercept the caravan at the oasis of Badr. Yet, upon learning of the impending raid, the nobles of Mecca rallied their forces to safeguard their possessions.
A fateful confrontation ensued, pitting the outnumbered Muslim forces against the formidable Meccan army. Initially, three champions from each side engaged in combat, resulting in the demise of all three Meccan combatants. Emboldened, a full-scale assault followed, whereupon the Muslim holy scripture, the Quran, recounts the descent of thousands of angels from Heaven, instilling dread in the hearts of the adversaries, who swiftly retreated in disarray. This decisive triumph bolstered the reputation of the prophet Muhammad and catalyzed the spread of Islam.
In the wake of their victory, Muhammad's adherents, having observed a period of fasting before the battle, partook in a festive repast. Today, Muslims worldwide commemorate the breaking of fasts with jubilant Eid festivities.
This commemorative stamp pays homage to the paramount festivals, or eids, in the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, envisioned by the revered artist and calligrapher Mohamed Zakariya in collaboration with Ethel Kessler.
