The Islamic Association of Saskatchewan held an Eid celebration in Saskatoon to mark the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting for the Muslim community. Aqeel Wahab, of the Islamic Association of Saskatchewan, described the celebrations as a time for eating, family, and communal prayers. Over 10,000 people from over 60 different ethnicities and cultures gathered at Prairieland Park to celebrate the end of Ramadan. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset, while also focusing on refraining from bad behavior, praying, reflecting, and coming together as a community. Wahab emphasized the importance of fasting, contemplation, and community during Ramadan, as well as the gratitude that comes from realizing the blessings one has.
In the midst of the celebrations, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza, added a somber tone to this year’s Eid celebration for some attendees. Sama Abudan, who traveled from Ontario to celebrate with friends in Saskatchewan, shared that most of her family is in Gaza and she has lost 26 cousins to the conflict, with her mother still stuck there. Ahmad Al-Dissi, also from Gaza, expressed that it was difficult to celebrate knowing the suffering in his homeland, and questioned how he could engage in traditional activities like baking sweets when people are starving. Despite the challenges and sadness surrounding the conflict, both Abudan and Al-Dissi emphasized the importance of staying strong, having faith, and maintaining hope during such difficult times.
Hafsa Jamil, another attendee at the Eid celebration, mentioned her love for the community aspect of the event and the feelings of joy, gratitude, and thankfulness it brings. She expressed that despite the challenges faced by some in the community, they still have family, food, and the ability to give gifts and donations, which are reasons to celebrate. The end of Ramadan, although tinged with sadness for some due to global conflicts, continues to be a family-oriented event with special meaning for those who participate. As Ramadan comes to an end and the Eid celebrations take place, the Muslim community in Saskatoon and around the world reflect on the lessons learned during the month, the sense of community and gratitude fostered, and the challenges faced by those in conflict-affected areas like Gaza.
The Eid celebration in Saskatoon brought together thousands of individuals from diverse backgrounds to collectively mark the end of Ramadan. The event was filled with prayers, communal gatherings, and a sense of unity within the Muslim community. Aqeel Wahab highlighted the importance of fasting, reflection, and community during Ramadan, emphasizing the gratitude that comes from recognizing one’s blessings. Despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and specifically in Gaza, attendees like Sama Abudan and Ahmad Al-Dissi found strength in their faith and optimism for the future. While the challenges faced by some added a somber tone to the celebrations, the community continued to come together to support one another and express gratitude for the blessings they have.
As the month of fasting and reflection comes to a close, Muslims around the world gather to celebrate Eid, a time of joy, gratitude, and family. For individuals like Hafsa Jamil, the community aspect of the Eid celebrations is particularly meaningful, serving as a reminder of the importance of coming together to support one another. Despite the difficulties faced by some in the community, the spirit of resilience, faith, and hope shines through as they navigate through challenging times. The end of Ramadan is not just a time for festivities, but also a time for reflection, connection, and giving back to those in need. As the Muslim community in Saskatoon and beyond gathers to mark the end of Ramadan and celebrate Eid, they do so with a sense of unity, compassion, and gratitude for all that they have, as well as a commitment to supporting those in need, both locally and globally.
