Thousands of Muslims gather in Saskatoon to celebrate end of Ramadan

Thousands of Muslims gathered at Saskatoon’s Prairieland Park on Wednesday to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

“For the last month we’ve been fasting. The fast itself happens from sunrise to sunset, and that is no water and no food. But typically it’s a joyous occasion despite the fasting, because families get together to start their fast and break their fast,” said Mateen Raazi, one of the main organizers of the Eid al-Fitr events in Saskatoon.

“At the end of 29 or 30 days of fasting, the celebration of Eid al-Fitr is happening.”

Raazi couldn’t say exactly how large the Muslim community in Saskatoon is, but he suggested there are tens of thousands of Muslims in the city and said the community is continuing to grow.

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Hafsa Jamil was one of the thousands in Saskatoon who observed Ramadan. She said it’s always a little sad to say goodbye to the holy month.

“It was really nice, and honestly it feels kind of sad, like you’re letting go of something at the end of the month. But at the same time you feel thankful, because we get to have food and celebrate with our families,” Jamil said.

“Unfortunately, there are people around the world who don’t get to do that, so we feel thankful.”

Jamil said one thing that’s great about Ramadan is the fact it brings families together and makes their bonds stronger.

Raazi said once prayers are done, family and friends will often get together to celebrate and eat.

“People get together and share so much food, joy, laughter and good company,” Raazi explained.

“People take time off of work if it’s a work day, so I’d say get invited to one of the Muslim houses and you will have treats like you’ve never had.”

This year’s celebration took on a bit of a different tone because of the conflict currently happening in Gaza. Raazi said all Muslim people want is peace in that area and other conflict zones around the world.

“As we celebrate, the theme for us is to also recognize people who are suffering around the world,” Raazi stated. “Whether they’re in Palestine, Gaza or Ukraine, it doesn’t matter. We wish for peace and security for everybody and we wish for an end to conflict everywhere.”

Thousands of Muslims gathered at Prairieland Park to mark the end of Ramadan. The last day of the holy month of Ramadan is known as Eid al-Fitr. (Shane Clausing/650 CKOM)