Hundreds gather in Kitchener for Eid al-Fitr celebration

People got together on Friday to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. CTV’s Jeff Pickel reports.

Around one thousand people came together to celebrate Eid al-Fitr Friday, marking the day with prayer, community and a hearty meal.

Eid al-Fitr is a major Islamic holiday signifying the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It usually stretches across several days and features special prayers, charity and festivities.

“Basically, it’s like a thanksgiving to God,” said Nabeel Rana, an event organizer with World Religions Conference.

The celebration also gives Muslims an opportunity to connect with old friends and take part in a feast together after a long month of fasting.

“It is the occasion of happiness,” added Aneeq Ahmed, a missionary imam with the Bai’tul Kareen Mosque in Cambridge, Ont. “The word ‘Eid’ means that thing which comes again and again. And obviously we want happiness to come again and again.”

Those who gathered at Forest Heights Collegiate said they took pride in coming together and connecting with their faith.

“It’s important because it strengthens our brotherhood,” said 16-year-old Faran Ahmed Sraa. “All of us uplift each other and just being here and collaborating with each other. It’s a wonderful experience.”

“What I enjoy most is the food, the culture, and meeting with my friends, and meeting with my relatives,” said nine-year-old Mubariz.

The celebration of charity also encourages others to give back to their community.

“Ramadan taught us that when we were hungry and we were fasting, we know the pain of those people who are suffering,” said Ahmed. “(God) tells us to serve the community at-large.”