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An estimated 4,000 local Muslims came together for Eid-ul-Fitar prayers on May 2, 2022 at the Mosque on Abraham’s Land. The three-day holiday marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, which sees Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.
The two prayers saw attendees in fancy outfits from their home countries. Eid means celebration. It is commemorated upon the sighting of the moon, as Muslims follow the lunar calendar. The day starts with the abovementioned congregational prayer, followed by donations made for the less fortunate. Families and friends then come together over cultural lunch and dinner feasts. Children receive gifts, often money. Desserts and sweets are a staple of the festival as well
Shaikh Abdurrahmann Murad, one of the leaders of the Muslim congregation shares more about Eid.
“Eid-ul-Fitar is an important celebration that occurs once the month of fasting is completed. Essentially, this celebration marks the end of Ramadan. Muslims perform a special prayer on this day and offer a special charity known as ‘Zakat-al-Fitar,’ which is given to the poor and those in need. It is a day of reflection and gratitude. In previous years, due to the pandemic we were unable to come together and celebrate this day as we have this year, so it was a very special Eid for our community.”
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Mohamed Ali Al-Zabidi, President, Markaz ul Islam, the Islamic Centre of Fort McMurray notes, “it’s amazing to see people from all walks of life dressed in their traditional clothing celebrate this great day after fasting 30 days. On Saturday, May 7, Markaz will host an Eid carnival at our new centre on Abraham’s Land where children will enjoy bouncy castles, petting zoo, delicious food and much more.”
The second annual Islamic holiday, Eid-ul-Adha, will follow in two months and ten days. It is celebrated to mark the end of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
Stay tuned to the Markaz Facebook page for further details about the Eid Carnival: https://www.facebook.com/MyMarkaz.
Eid prayers in session
Top photo: Shaikh Murad addresses the Eid congregation
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Kiran Malik-Khan
Kiran is a national award-winning communications specialist, freelance journalist, and social media consultant. She loves telling community stories, and is a strong advocate for inclusion, diversity, women’s rights, and multiculturalism. Got story ideas? Contact her via Twitter: @KiranMK0822.
