The Islamic Association of Saskatchewan celebrated the end of Ramadan with an Eid celebration in Saskatoon, marking the conclusion of a month of fasting for the Muslim community. Aqeel Wahab, from the Islamic Association of Saskatchewan, described Eid as a significant day for Muslims, filled with eating, celebrations, family, and communal prayers. Over 10,000 people gathered at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon to celebrate Eid, representing over 60 different ethnicities and cultures. Ramadan is a month of fasting from sunrise to sunset, with evenings spent in prayer, reflection, and communal gatherings. Wahab emphasized the importance of gratitude during Ramadan, as fasting allows individuals to learn about what they have and do not have.
Wahab highlighted the seriousness of this year’s celebrations for some individuals due to the current conflict in the Middle East and Gaza. He mentioned that there are people in the community who continue to fast not because it is the end of Ramadan, but because they have no food. Sama Abudan, a participant from Ontario, shared that she has lost 26 cousins in the conflict and her mother is still stuck in Gaza. Despite these challenges, Abudan stated that her family in Gaza gives her and others strength, teaching them to be strong, have faith, and maintain hope. Another participant, Ahmad Al-Dissi from Gaza, expressed that it is difficult to celebrate knowing the struggles that people in his homeland are facing. He mentioned the difficulty of engaging in traditional celebrations like baking sweets when there is a man-made famine and lack of necessary supplies in his country.
For Hafsa Jamil, who attended the Eid event, she expressed her love for the community aspect of the celebration. She emphasized feeling joy, gratitude, and thankfulness for everything they have. Jamil mentioned that despite the challenges and difficulties faced by some individuals in the community, they still come together to celebrate with their families, share food, and exchange gifts and donations. The sense of togetherness and support within the community is a significant aspect of the Eid celebration for many participants. The event on Wednesday was a time for reflection, gratitude, and solidarity among the Muslim community in Saskatoon.
Overall, the Eid celebration in Saskatoon served as a culmination of the fasting, prayers, and reflections during the month of Ramadan for the Muslim community. Despite the challenges and hardships faced by some individuals due to conflicts in the Middle East, participants came together to show strength, faith, and hope. The community aspect of the celebration was highlighted by participants like Hafsa Jamil, who expressed joy and gratitude for the blessings they have, while also acknowledging the struggles faced by others. The Eid event in Saskatoon was a time for remembrance, support, and unity among over 10,000 people from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of coming together to celebrate and show solidarity in times of difficulty.
