Watch above: Eid prayers and celebrations were held in Saskatoon Monday
SASKATOON – Eid prayers and celebrations were held in Saskatoon but in a much larger venue as in previous years for the ending of the Muslim holiday, Ramadan.
This year, over 4,000 Muslims representing 60 countries packed into the Prairieland Park events centre on Monday.
“I’ve been living here since 1993 and I remember back in those days there was maybe 500 people at the most and we could fill a small gym and now we’re almost at capacity in a centre like this,” said Omaer Jamil, Saskatchewan Islamic Association president.
The world-wide celebration comes after a month of fasting, extra worship, practicing good behaviour and giving to charity.
“You’ll find today people will be visiting each other, it’s just a big smorgasbord from Eastern Europe to India and China,” said Aqeel Wahab, Saskatchewan Islamic Association outreach volunteer.
Muslims also united to celebrate Eid al-fitr, a new beginning, spiritually cleansed and physically disciplined.
“I think the most fun is going to be for the kids, cousins are back together again for awhile, it’s a time to party and it’s a time to reflect on what we’ve accomplished in the previous month,” said Jamil.
During Ramadan, thousands of dollars are donated to support various charities. With some in the local community having ties to Palestine and Syria, a fundraiser was held earlier this year for both countries.
Diversity in the Saskatoon Muslim community has multiplied 10 times since 2007 and a third Mosque is expected to be built in the near future.
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