The Chronicle Herald (Provincial)
Muslims prepare to celebrate Eid
Events around Halifax mark end of Ramadan, start of Eid al-fitr
Muslims around the world are preparing to end their fast on Wednesday as Ramadan ends and Eid al-fitr begins.
Eid is a significant holiday for Muslims. They will pray together, wish one another “Eid Mubarak” and gather with family and friends for dinner and treats. After a long month of fasting, eating with loved ones is a great reward.
Young Muslims will receive Eidiyah from their elders, a sum of money as a gift to celebrate the occasion.
Muslims are also expected to give Zatak al-fitr on Eid. This is an act of charity – either money or food – to help those who are less fortunate participate in the joy of Eid.
Celebrations around Halifax will continue over the next week.
Ibrahim Bojal moved from Saudi Arabia to Halifax in 2020. Since then, he’s been an active member of the Muslim community around the city. He said that the community has always been welcoming and he’s excited to participate in Eid events.
“There’s a lot of new immigrants and international Muslims that come here and feel alone, so the community encourages them to be a part of these events to feel closer to their culture,” said Bojal.
“The Muslim community in Halifax is strong and looks after each other.”
He plans to attend the Eid prayer at Ummah Masjid &
Community Centre, a mosque on the corner of Chebucto Road and Windsor Street. It’s open for all Muslims to attend and begins at 9 a.m. Wednesday.
“The prayer is to signify togetherness and gratitude toward God for the holy month we just had,” Bojal said.
The Centre for Islamic Development on Robie Street will also be holding a prayer at 9 a.m., while the Islamic Association of Nova Scotia in Dartmouth will have Takbeerat at 8:30 a.m. and Salah at 9 a.m.
Ummah Masjid will also host a party that lasts from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday. It’s free to attend and will have a petting zoo, bouncy castles, stage shows, pony rides and a barbecue.
To celebrate Eid, the Halifax Central Library is hosting a celebration on Saturday from 4-7 p.m. There will be henna, arts and crafts, face painting and other activities that are free for anyone wanting to participate.
For Muslims ages 13-18, the Sackville Public Library is hosting an Eid Mubarak event as part of its Top Teens program. This will be an informational session on Ramadan and Eid, and there will be desserts inspired by Eid al-fitr. It’s from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Sabeel Muslim Youth and Community Center on Chebucto Road will also be hosting an Eid party from 12:30-7 p.m. on Wednesday. The event was created for young Muslims to interact with one another and be educated on the importance of Islam, aside from celebrating with food and fun activities.