Thousands of local Muslims celebrate end of Ramadan
Food drive was part of celebration of Eid, which emphasizes charity and prayer
Around 10,000 Saskatoon Muslims from more than 50 countries joined together for one of the most important celebrations of the Islamic calendar.
One of the largest meetings of the Islamic community in Saskatoon took place on Friday morning to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan.
Fatima Coovadia of the Saskatoon Human Rights Commission said she remembers when the entire Muslim congregation could fit into the mosque on Copland Crescent for Eid in 2002.
Sixteen years later, the crowd celebrating Eid — and the Islamic community in Saskatoon — has become much larger.
“It’s great to see the growth — people from all over the world joining us in Saskatoon,” Coovadia said.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and deep spirituality for the Islamic community.
The day involves encouraging acts of charity, spending time with family, and celebrating the children’s fasting efforts during Ramadan.
The ceremony at Prairieland Park on Friday was organized by the Islamic Association of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon and drew people from all over the city, Muslim and non-Muslim. Mayor Charlie Clark, deputy premier Gord Wyant, NDP leader Ryan Meili and many others attended to pay their respects and participate in the event.
Part of the Eid al-Fitr celebration is the congregational prayer referred to as Salatul Eid.
Special guest Imam Jamal led the prayer.
Mateen Raazi, a member of the Islamic association, said it was “delightful” to see such a large number of people involved.
“It is so nice ... to be able to contribute to the wider community and our well-being here in Saskatoon,” Raazi said.
This year, the community wants to do more to give back. The association hosted a food drive for the food bank at the prayer celebration, hoping to get at least one food item from every person in attendance.
Raazi said a food drive to celebrate the end of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr was a perfect initiative.
“(Eid) is when we celebrate what we have committed to during the month of Ramadan ... it is a day of renewing our commitment to our community.”