Thousands of Sask. Muslims gather to celebrate Eid, the blessed feast
Muslims from across Saskatchewan are celebrating Eid — the end of Ramadan.
Thousands of those who follow the Islamic faith gathered in Regina and Saskatoon, including about 10,000 at Prairieland Park Wednesday who joined together to celebrate the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
“Its’ a day where families come together. We have a special prayer in the morning, then we celebrate with our family, we have a feast, we exchange gifts and make donations,” Hafsa Jamil told CTV News.
Muslims celebrate this day called Eid al-Fitr, which follows 30 days of having no food or drink from sunup until sundown. It’s something that Sama Abudan says she looked forward to as a child — wanting to give back to her faith.
“It’s not hard. Actually, I feel our faith is what makes us strong to do it. Ramadan teaches us how to be self disciplined,” Abudan said.
Sama Abudan (Left) and Hafsa Jamil joined a crowd of about 10,000 to celebrate Eid al-Fitr at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon, April 10, 2024. (Carla Shynkaruk / CTV News)
In Regina about 8,000 Muslims joined their community to mark the day with four separate prayers at the Conexus Arts Centre.
“We consider this the day of the gift. Allah gave us the gift today because we’ve done a lot of work. We’ve disciplined ourselves and that’s what we learned,” said Mohamed Masloh, who was celebrating in Regina.
This year’s prayer had extra significance, according to organizers.
“This year it is tinged with a recognition of the people across the world who are suffering, whether they are in Ukraine or in Gaza. It doesn’t matter, wherever people are suffering, our hearts go out to them,” said Mateen Raazi, with the Islamic Association of Saskatchewan, Regina.
Worshippers, many dressed in brightly coloured outfits, greeted each other with the greeting Eid Mubarak, meaning blessed feast or festival.
For Muslims, the remainder of the day is spent celebrating with family and friends, partaking in feasts as the culmination of their festivities.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Canada Post temporarily laying off striking workers, union says
The union representing Canada Post workers says the Crown corporation has been laying striking employees off as the labour action by more than 55,000 workers approaches the two-week mark.
Canadian woman shares methanol poisoning story in wake of death investigation in Laos hostel
Cuddling on the couch with her dog, Ducky, no one would notice that anything is different about Ashley King. Even when she walks across the living room, she doesn’t miss a step. But the 32-year-old has gotten used to functioning with only two per cent vision.
Calgary man dead following tragic incident while helping stranded driver
A man died after being pinned under a vehicle while trying to help another motorist in northwest Calgary.
W5 Investigates 'Let me rot in Canada,' pleads Canadian ISIS suspect from secret Syrian prison
W5's Avery Haines tells the story of Jack Letts, a Canadian Muslim convert in a Syrian jail, accused of being a member of ISIS. In part two of a three-part investigation, Haines speaks with Letts, who issues a plea to return to Canada to face justice.
U.S. university says linebacker remains in stable condition, hours after announcing his death
Alabama A&M linebacker Medrick Burnett Jr. remains hospitalized with a head injury suffered in an October game, the school said hours after announcing that he had died.
Carrot recall for E. coli risks updated with additional product, correction: CFIA
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has published an update to a recent national recall on organic carrot brands over E. coli contamination risks.
DEVELOPING Liberals, NDP expected to pass GST holiday in House of Commons today, without $250 rebate
Legislation to create a two-month-long GST holiday is expected to pass today after the federal finance minister separated the GST break from a promise to also send $250 to most working Canadians in the spring.
Five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek accepts a one-month suspension in doping case
Five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek accepted a one-month suspension after testing positive for the banned substance trimetazidine, a heart medication known as TMZ, the International Tennis Integrity Agency announced Thursday.
Montreal billionaire Robert Miller could have as many as 100 victims, lawyer says
A Quebec judge is hearing arguments this week in a class-action lawsuit application against Montreal billionaire Robert Miller over allegations he paid minors for sex.