<html>
<head>
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8">
<style type="text/css" style="display:none;"> P {margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;} </style>
</head>
<body dir="ltr">
<div style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="elementToProof">
MES Forum, Across cultures and faiths, we value bringing people together to express gratitude, generosity, reflection on our family ties and communities. Eid al‑Fitr and Nowruz express important aspects these universal ideals. This year, Eid begins at sundown
on Thursday, March 19, and continues through Friday, March 20, the same day many will also celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year. </div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="elementToProof">
<br>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="elementToProof">
Marking the close of Ramadan, 'Eid al-Fitr is a day of thanksgiving, prayer, and joy after a month devoted to fasting, reflection, and renewal. Its traditions express generosity through zakat al‑fitr, the charitable giving that ensures everyone can share in
the celebration. These practices reflect community through gathering with loved ones, sharing meals and sweets, and extending kindness to neighbors and those in need. </div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="elementToProof">
<br>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="elementToProof">
Nowruz emphasizes letting go of the past, making amends, and connecting with loved ones. Jumping over the fire with hands held, we move forward together in a spirit of forgiveness. The haft-sin's green sprouts, garlic, apples, vinegar, sumac, wheat pudding,
mirror, candles, painted eggs, coins, flowers, and sometimes a “book of wisdom,” symbolize renewal, health, abundance, light, and reflection.</div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="elementToProof">
<br>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="elementToProof">
With spring’s arrival, these holidays remind us of the cycles of light, growth, and connection that renew our spirits and our sense of community. </div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="elementToProof">
<br>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="elementToProof">
To all who are observing Eid, celebrating Nowruz, or simply sharing in the spirit of renewal that this season brings, we wish you peace, joy, and meaningful connection. </div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="elementToProof">
<br>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="elementToProof">
Best wishes,</div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="elementToProof">
<br>
</div>
<div class="elementToProof" id="Signature">
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;" class="elementToProof"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(187, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 18px;"><b>Melinda McClimans, PhD</b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 18px;">Assistant Director</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 18px;"><b>The Ohio State University</b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(187, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 18px;">International Affairs</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 18px;"> Middle
East Studies Center</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 18px;">145 Enarson Classroom Building, 2009 Millikin Rd, Columbus Ohio 43210</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 18px;">614-292-6506 Office / 614-292-5897 Office</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 18px;"><a style="margin-right: 10px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" class="OWAAutoLink" id="OWA319c1651-165e-906e-2606-93d66df9538b" target="_blank" href="mailto:mcclimans.2@osu.edu">mcclimans.2@osu.edu</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 18px;"><a style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" class="OWAAutoLink" id="OWA78041d42-12fe-997c-cea7-aec9eb662291" target="_blank" href="http://mesc.osu.edu/">mesc.osu.edu</a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="elementToProof">
<br>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="elementToProof">
<br>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="elementToProof">
Sources and Related Readings</div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="elementToProof">
[1] Everything You Need To Know About Eid al-Fitr - PCRF <a href="https://www.pcrf.net/information-you-should-know/everything-you-need-to-know-about-eid-al-fitr.html">
https://www.pcrf.net/information-you-should-know/everything-you-need-to-know-about-eid-al-fitr.html</a> </div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="elementToProof">
[2] Zakat al Fitr: When and How to Fulfill this Duty - IQRA Network <a href="https://iqranetwork.com/blog/zakat-al-fitr-your-essential-guide-to-fulfilling-a-key-islamic-duty/">
https://iqranetwork.com/blog/zakat-al-fitr-your-essential-guide-to-fulfilling-a-key-islamic-duty/</a> </div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="elementToProof">
[3] A Practical Guide To Eid al-Fitr 2026: Prayer, Zakat And Celebrations <a href="https://sandytimes.ae/culture/4489-a-practical-guide-to-eid-al-fitr-2026-prayer-zakat-and-celebrations">
https://sandytimes.ae/culture/4489-a-practical-guide-to-eid-al-fitr-2026-prayer-zakat-and-celebrations</a> </div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="elementToProof">
[4] Eid al-Fitr: Celebration, Sunnah, and Spiritual Significance <a href="https://alsarhacademy.com/eid-al-fitr/">
https://alsarhacademy.com/eid-al-fitr/</a> </div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="elementToProof">
[5] Eid al-Fitr: A Celebration of Gratitude and Community - MATW Project <a href="https://matwproject.org/islamic-charity/eid-al-fitr-2024/">
https://matwproject.org/islamic-charity/eid-al-fitr-2024/</a> </div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="elementToProof">
[6] The Purpose of Zakat al-Fitr - IslamOnline <a href="https://islamonline.net/en/the-purpose-of-zakat-al-fitr/">
https://islamonline.net/en/the-purpose-of-zakat-al-fitr/</a> </div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="elementToProof">
[7] How to Celebrate Eid ul Fitr in the Islamic Way - Sedekahsg <a href="https://singaporesedekah.com/pages/how-to-celebrate-eid-ul-fitr-in-the-islamic-way">
https://singaporesedekah.com/pages/how-to-celebrate-eid-ul-fitr-in-the-islamic-way</a> </div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="elementToProof">
[8] Ramadan Month: Reflection, Fasting & Giving | Lakshmi Stores UK <a href="https://www.lakshmistores.com/blogs/news/ramadan-kareem-reflection-fasting-giving">
https://www.lakshmistores.com/blogs/news/ramadan-kareem-reflection-fasting-giving</a> </div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="elementToProof">
[9] Ramadan: The Blessed Month of Giving and Compassion <a href="https://foih.de/ramadan-the-blessed-month-of-giving-and-compassion/">
https://foih.de/ramadan-the-blessed-month-of-giving-and-compassion/</a> </div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="elementToProof">
[10] Ramadan: A Month of Mercy, Generosity, and Shared Light As the ... <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheTutuLegacy/posts/ramadan-a-month-of-mercy-generosity-and-shared-light-as-the-moon-is-sighted-and-/1320186746810185/">
https://www.facebook.com/TheTutuLegacy/posts/ramadan-a-month-of-mercy-generosity-and-shared-light-as-the-moon-is-sighted-and-/1320186746810185/</a> </div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="elementToProof">
[11] Nowruz: Persian new year celebration of renewal and unity goes ... <a href="https://www.greylockglass.com/nowruz-persian-new-year-celebration-of-renewal-and-unity-goes-global/">
https://www.greylockglass.com/nowruz-persian-new-year-celebration-of-renewal-and-unity-goes-global/</a> </div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="elementToProof">
[12] The story of the Iranian new year, Nowruz, and why its themes of ... <a id="anchor-a1ca80bc-daeb-0bcd-a743-3193880cecf1" href="https://theconversation.com/the-story-of-the-iranian-new-year-nowruz-and-why-its-themes-of-renewal-and-healing-matter-156701">
https://theconversation.com/the-story-of-the-iranian-new-year-nowruz-and-why-its-themes-of-renewal-and-healing-matter-156701</a> </div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="elementToProof">
[13] Nowruz, the Persian New Year, Celebrates Renewal and Rebirth <a id="anchor-3546315e-9bb6-9aa4-1b9f-18ef66f682bb" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/20/world/middleeast/nowruz-iran-persian-new-year.html">
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/20/world/middleeast/nowruz-iran-persian-new-year.html</a> </div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="elementToProof">
<br>
</div>
</div>
</body>
</html>