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
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.