Photos: Eid al-Fitr, the Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan

Published Apr 10, 2024 • Last updated 2 hours ago • 1 minute read

Organizers were expecting more than 15,000 at the EY Centre Wednesday for the first day of Eid al-Fitr – the Islamic festival marking the end of the month of Ramadan, where Muslims strengthen their commitment to God through fasting. Photo by JULIE OLIVER /Postmedia

Thousands of Ottawa-area Muslims gathered at the EY Centre on Wednesday to celebrate the first day of Eid al-Fitr, the Islamic festival marking the end of the month of Ramadan.

Throughout the month, Muslims are supposed to focus on strengthening their relationship with God through fasting, prayers, acts of charity and self-improvement.

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“The usually joyous occasion of Eid was overshadowed by somber reflections this year, as the devastating events unfolding in Gaza weighed heavily on the hearts of many,” the Muslim Association of Canada said in a press release.

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“Eid prayer and festival will be offered with heavy hearts and to maintain a semblance of normalcy and serve as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for compassion and solidarity in the face of human tragedy in Gaza. This year’s theme will be One Ummah in solidarity with Gaza.

The Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7 has prompted continued attacks on Gaza for the past six months. Over 30,000 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 13,000 children.

Following prayer there was a hall filled with food, cultural items, games and shows for the celebration.Photo by JULIE OLIVER/Postmedia Photo by JULIE OLIVER /Postmedia A small girl takes note of her mother praying.Photo by JULIE OLIVER/Postmedia Photo by JULIE OLIVER /Postmedia Organizers were expecting more than 15,000 at the EY Centre Wednesday for the first day of Eid al-Fitr – the Islamic festival marking the end of the month of Ramadan, where Muslims strengthen their commitment to God through fasting.Photo by JULIE OLIVER/Postmedia Photo by JULIE OLIVER /Postmedia Young Maliah Nafez, 8, attends prayer with her mother and aunt, dressed in her traditional Afghanistan clothing.tmedia Photo by JULIE OLIVER /Postmedia Two-year-old Zakaria Stiti leans his water bottle on a praying family member during early-morning prayer as thousands filled the hall. Photo by JULIE OLIVER /Postmedia Organizers were expecting more than 15,000 at the EY Centre Wednesday for the first day of Eid al-Fitr – the Islamic festival marking the end of the month of Ramadan, where Muslims strengthen their commitment to God through fasting. Photo by JULIE OLIVER /Postmedia