Hundreds gather in Saskatoon to celebrate Eid Al-Adha
Prairieland Park saw hundreds of Saskatoon’s Muslims gather to celebrate Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Feast of Sacrifice.”
“We are absolutely thrilled that this year we could, finally after so long, come back together as a community and really celebrate Eid the way that we know it's meant to be celebrated, which is together,” said Mueez Rafiquie, media, communications, and outreach representative with the Islamic Association of Saskatchewan (IAS).
Eid Al-Adha is one of two Eid celebrations held annually. Eid al-Fitr, the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” takes place from May 2 to May 3.
The previous three Eid celebrations have either been canceled or faced major adjustments as gatherings have been limited throughout the pandemic.
“The IAS, as well as other faith communities, have been diligent in following the public health guidelines set out by our Federal and Provincial Governments,” Rafiquie said.
“Because of that unfortunately in the past we have either had to cancel this Eid prayer all-together or hold it in extremely limited capacities in accordance to those public guidelines at the time.”
Mayor Charlie Clark and Police Chief Troy Cooper attended to offer their greetings and well wishes just before the prayers began.
Organizers said they are extra grateful for the work Dr. Saqib Shahab did to get the province to a place where Eid could be held once again without restrictions.
“We want to give a special congratulations and thanks to Dr. Shahab for treating the pandemic and giving us the guidance that we needed in order to get back here today,” Rafiquie said.
“We have a special thanks to give to him. It’s because of the decisions from people like him in power that today we’re able to come back and celebrate Eid in this fashion.”
A BLESSED FEAST
With his excitement to see things back to normal during Eid al-Adha, Rafiquie wanted to offer his best wishes to people around the world celebrating Eid and wish for an end to the pandemic for everyone.
“I think the only thing that is left to add is to say Eid Mubarak (blessed feast) to all the Muslims not only in Saskatoon but across Canada and the world,” Rafiquie told CTV.
“I know in many parts of the world we are still facing lots of lockdowns, and we know the fight against Covid isn’t over. We give our prayers and thoughts to those still struggling, and we hope that in the near future we’re all able to celebrate these days once again the way that we’re lucky enough to celebrate today.”
Henry Davis and his friend Mark were two of the many in attendance at Prairieland for Eid. Davis said getting back to a place where he could celebrate Eid the same way he always had meant a lot.
“It was a good experience after the pandemic. Coming back from the pandemic we couldn’t pray together. It was nice praying with everybody, it’s a nice experience,” Davis said.
“I’m really used to it, I grew up praying with everyone together. I want to wish everybody an Eid Mubarak all around the world.”
Tauseeq Aziz, another attendee, was also thrilled to be back at a proper gathering after three very different Eid celebrations.
“This is absolutely fun and it’s amazing and all of us are excited, especially after this crucial pandemic season,” Aziz said.
“Eid day in the Muslim community is always one of the greatest events we have, especially the Eid al-Adha. We cannot express our feelings enough after the pandemic.”
Aziz said there has been a lot of anticipation leading up to Eid al-Adha, knowing he could finally see his community in person, giving out hugs and handshakes as he greeted those around him.
“We have been waiting for this day. Once again, in the pandemic situation, we were looking for opportunities where all of us could come together and hug our loved ones. That is something we were really missing. This specific Eid is going to be one memorable day,” Aziz said.
Aziz’s friend Muhammad Adil shares the feeling of excitement as he just left the gathering inside of Prairieland.
“We can celebrate our traditional event after the pandemic and we really enjoyed it and loved it.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.