Eid ul-Fitr is the Muslim celebration marking the end of Ramadan.
'It's a fun day' for Muslims
EID | Feasting, celebrations across area mark end of Ramadan's month of fasting
October 13, 2007
BY SUSAN HOGAN/ALBACH
Religion Reporter/shogan@suntimes.com
After a month of fasting, Shama Shedbalker is ready to feast today.
For her, Eid ul-Fitr is a favorite time on the Muslim calendar. Eid is the celebration that marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.
"We pray and celebrate, put on new clothes and eat great food," said Shedbalker, 52, of Hoffman Estates.
There's gift-giving, too, especially for children, and acts of charity.
Muslims are renting spaces across Chicago today that are big enough for thousands to gather for prayer. Among the larger spots: Toyota Park, the Chicago Fire's home stadium in Bridgeview, and the DuPage Expo Center in St. Charles.
After prayer, Nahid Hasan, 57, of Barrington, said her family divides the day between in-laws.
"It's a fun day -- like Thanksgiving and Christmas together," Hasan said.
Azra Ahmad, 45, of Palatine, said her three teenage boys are served a big breakfast of "whatever they want" as a treat for all of their fasting.
"It's a big day for sweets," she said.
Muhammad Zaman said most of his family is in Bangladesh, so he spends "an unusual amount of time" on the phone throughout the day. Then, he and his wife, Anila, go house to house visiting friends.
"No one needs an invitation," said Zaman, 34, of Palatine.
While Muslims usually take off work, some Muslim businesses remain open.
"It's not just a day of worship; it's a day of eating out and shopping," said Malik Mujahid of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago.
And, of course, wishing their family and friends, "Eid Mubarak!" That's Blessed Feast.
Celebration won't slow city
Many Muslims don't work on Eid ul-Fitr, the family celebration marking the end of Ramadan.
But even though many Chicago cabbies are Muslim, "there will be a minimum impact on the city," said Malik Mujahid of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago, noting that many cabbies don't work Saturdays anyway.
Also, he said, many immigrants from west Africa who can't be with their families will work today.
Cabdriver Kama Muhammad of Rogers Park is taking the day off.
"It's a holy day and a time to be with my wife and kids," he said.
Susan Hogan/Albach