Sa-eed Abu Bakar of Milwaukee and his three-year old son Waleed attend the Eid ul-Fitr prayer service and celebration Saturday at the Cultural Center. (Marina Samovsky/News-Sun)
Hasan Hakeem of the Ahmadiyya Center hugs a fellow member.
A positive life
October 14, 2007
NEWS-SUN STAFF REPORT
NORTH CHICAGO -- As one of the communities' largest celebrations wrapped up, Muslim leaders reminded their members to continue living a positive life.
More than 100 Lake County Muslims celebrated Eid ul-Fitr Saturday at Greenbelt Cultural center in North Chicago. Another 33 members also celebrated at the Lake County Jail.
The annual celebration marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.
And though the month had ended, members of the Zion-based Ahamadiyya Muslim Community were told to continue their clean living and devotion to Allah.
"It's important that you discipline yourself and not forget the spirit of service and the spirit of helping others," said education secretary Inam Rahman.
Rahman, 37, of Vernon Hills, said Eid ul-Fitr, more commonly known as "Eid," is one of the most important days in Islam.
Ahamadiyya community president Hasan Hakeem spent the morning at the Lake County Jail, talking with more than 30 inmates, before joining the celebration at Greenbelt.
"It was great. Many of these men have never even prayed before," Hakeem said. "It was just great."
The 30 days of Ramadan forbid worshipers to eat between sunrise and sunset; Muslims also refrain from other indulgences. When the 30 days are over, they celebrate with food, exchanging gifts and spending time with family.
Keeping the fast is very important, said member Abu Bakr, from Zion. Even young children are encouraged to give up something, if they can't refrain from food.
Bakr said his kids often give up video games or television, and they spend more time reading the Quran.