CHICAGO: Eid was celebrated with usual gusto all over Chicago on Monday morning. Although the moon sighting was announced only after 10pm, shoppers were already busy at Devon Ave and other places for last minute Eid shopping.
Eid celebrations mark the end of month long fasting by Muslims. Men, women and children thronged to local mosques in colorful dresses for Eid prayers. The largest Eid prayer congregation was held at Holiday Inn Skokie in three different prayers.
The first Prayer at 8.30 was led by Khateeb Dr Ahamad Murad. The second prayer was led by Mufti Hussain Kamani at 9.30am and third prayer was led by Khateeb Hafiz Mohammad Ikhlass. In all three prayer gatherings, the hall was packed to full capacity in both the men and women sections.
Mufti Kamani quoted Makkah Imam’s address on Eid reminding people that those who prayed for the month of Ramadan, the month long prayers were over for them. But for those who prayed in Ramadan for God, the Almighty God is there everlasting and so the prayers will continue even after the month of Ramadan.
Mufti Kamani emphasized that Ramadan fasting strengthens the character of a Muslim, reinforces patience and anger management within a fasting person. He called upon every Muslim to shun differences and exchange greetings for Eid, adhere to family ties. He cited example of Prophet Muhammad who shared his meal with his wife and created an example for marital bliss.
Soon after Eid prayers, Muslims greeted each other. Eid prayers were also held in many local mosques. Large number of Muslims were also seen attending Eid prayers at Jama Masjid on Devon and ICC on Lincoln Ave.
Eid is celebrated to mark the end of month long fasting as commanded by God. Muslims observe complete fast from dusk to sunset. This year Ramadan coincided with summer long day hours in North America and Europe where fasting was mostly from 4.30am till 8.40pm. The day was not as long in the Indian sub-continent and Middle East where fasting was observed from 4.45am till 6.50pm.
Thousands gather at Toyota Park for Eid
K Rajda adds:
BRIDGEVIEW: On Monday, July 28, The Mosque Foundation held its Eid-ul-Fitr holiday prayer marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan at the Toyota Park in Bridgeview, a southwest suburb of Chicago. The Eid prayer drew over 15,000 people from the southwest suburbs alone.
Bridgeview Mayor Steve Landek and the Mosque Foundation hosted the annual Eid breakfast reception. After the reception, speakers proceeded to the stadium where they addressed the congregation followed by the Eid prayer.
The Muslim American Society, Public Affairs and Civic Engagement (MAS-PACE) also held a massive voter registration drive during the event. MAS-PACE’s goal is to register 2,000 new Muslim American voters to drive them to the polls this November to demonstrate the power of the Muslim vote.
A.Q. Siddiqui
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