Eid al-Fitr is a joyful time for Prince Albert’s Muslim community, and this week the Prince Albert Muslim Association (PAMA) wanted to share that joy with the community.
Eid marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, a holy month where Muslims from around the world fast from dawn till dusk, abstaining from both food and water to remember the less fortunate. The month is also a time of increased spiritual reflection and worship.
According to a postcard provided by PAMA, “Muslims celebrate the end of the month by gathering with loved ones and spreading joy.”
PAMA also said the meaning of EID is to embrace with an open heart, inspire impressive attitude and distribute pleasure to all.
“Wishing you smiles and all things nice,” the postcard read. “May this Eid Al Fitr bring all the comforts you have ever wanted, and all the joy and laughter you have ever wished.”
To celebrate, the Prince Albert Muslim community went door-to-door with treats, and dropped off food baskets to various schools and non-profit organizations. They also paid a visit to both the fire and the police station to honour their heroes.
“We had our Eid celebration, we had our get together and morning prayers, and then we wanted to go — like Christmas you have a gift exchange with family and friends _ the same way we do, so our kids and families collected some donations and made some food baskets for local organizations and schools,” said Muhammad Akhtar, PAMA secretary.
“Monday, we delivered to different places.”
Both Fire Chief Jason Everitt and food bank executive director Wes Clark said the appreciated the gestures. Everitt said once the group arrived they were given a brief tour, which the kids found quite exciting.
Monday was only the latest Ramadan delivery to the Prince Albert Food Bank. Other donations had been made previously during the holy month, Clark said.
“It’s highly encouraging to see many groups come together to support our efforts,” Clark said, adding that the baskets of donated food were “huge” for the food bank.
Akhtar said PAMA was glad to give back to the community.
“We wanted to share our celebrations, and we wanted to give back to the community because our guys have been here in Canada for a while, and they wanted to participate in something in the community,” he said.
“Everyone was happy. They were really appreciative we were inviting them to join in our celebrations.”
