Muslims balancing ritual and caution
For Qassim Abdullah, this year’s Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr marked a bit of a milestone: now fully vaccinated, the 66-year-old finally felt comfortable enough to return to his mosque for the Eid prayers on Friday, his first time back since the start of the pandemic.
‘‘It’s overwhelming and exciting,’’ the Maryland, United States resident said. ‘‘It’s very nice to see the community . . . It’s just a beautiful feeling.’’
There were changes: he wore two masks, and didn’t stand shoulder to shoulder with other worshippers. But it still felt more celebratory than last year.
‘‘It is definitely much better. I don’t think it is very close to normal (yet), but it’s going that way,’’ he said. ‘‘At least we’re going out of our houses.’’
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. Traditionally, people gather for prayers, visit family and friends, and gather for festive meals.
Once again, Muslims are seeking ways to balance the holiday’s rituals with coronavirus concerns. But for those in America, even as they observe precautions, this year’s Eid comes as the pandemic eases its grip on the country.
It’s a contrast with Muslims in many other countries, who are celebrating Eid al-Fitr in a subdued mood for a second year as the pandemic again forces varying restrictions.
In Utah, Dunia Wafai said her community’s Eid celebrations were inching closer to normal.
When the coronavirus put a halt to the usual celebrations last year, Wafai’s family, like many, got creative. They hosted a Covid-19-safe drive-by celebration, and handed out popcorn, candyfloss and goody bags to people in their cars.
This year, she and her family are participating in communal Eid prayers, and will be hosting a socially distanced celebration in their backyard.
At the Islamic Centre of East Lansing, Michigan, the Eid alFitr celebration typically draws 4000 to 5000 people. Last year, it was replaced by a virtual ceremony.
The centre held Eid prayers on Friday with some changes. Masks were required, and people’s temperatures were taken at the door. Worshippers were asked to bring their own prayer rugs, and bags for their shoes. Blue tape in the shape of an ‘‘X’’ marked the socially distanced spaces in which worshippers were to place their prayer rugs. Attendees also had to pre-register.
‘‘Families have been very eager to bring their kids to the prayers,’’ said Thasin Sardar, a centre trustee. ‘‘The sense of community has been rebuilt today.’’
In Bergen County, New Jersey, more than 2000 people gathered at a park to mark Eid. Ather Usmani, president of Darul Islah mosque, said his organisation worked closely with the county to get permission for the event.
‘‘It’s a huge, huge difference from the last year,’’ Usmani said, adding that it helped that many worshippers had been vaccinated with the encouragement of the mosque’s leadership.
The schedule also included a remembrance of community members who died of the virus. ‘‘It’s been tough for several families, and we will pray for the people who are still sick, and the message is for unity for the community,’’ Usmani said.