Calgarians celebrate the end of Ramadan

Calgarians from every quadrant of the city gathered Wednesday to celebrate Eid al-Fitr and the end of the Ramadan fast.

Mosques, community centers and banquet halls were packed as Muslims celebrated one of their two main religious holidays.

It is a day to celebrate the end of a month-long fast from dawn to dusk and wish for the blessings of the coming year.

On the first day of Eid, the festivities begin with a big morning prayer before heading to the streets and Muslim homes.

“Islam is a religion of races, ethnicities and cultures,” said Zubair Tariq, a member of the Green Dome Mosque.

“So this is a great opportunity for all of us as we believe we can spread love by praying together and celebrating together. This is the purpose of both Ramadan and Eid.

Syed Soharwardy, head of the Supreme Islamic Council of Canada, also confirmed this opinion. He pointed out that the Muslim population in the city is growing.

“It's a day to reach out to the needy and the poor,” Soharwardy told CTV News. “Therefore, there is a charity that each of us must give before morning prayer.”

This year's Eid has another must-have element: a prayer for Gaza.

Thousands of people fell on their knees for those in the region who were badly affected by the Israeli military attack and did not spare a word.

“We're thinking about them,” Soharwardy said.

Since the holiday falls on a Wednesday this year, Calgarians will continue the festivities into the weekend.

Many events are planned for Saturday, including a community meeting at the MAC Islamic School in Northeast from 4 to 11 p.m.