Thousands of Muslims from across the region celebrated Eid al Fitr on Friday, a major Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.
The Islamic Center of Pittsburgh, in Oakland, and the Attawheed Islamic Center, in Carnegie, came together to celebrate Eid at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh.
In Hampton, the Muslim Association of Greater Pittsburgh (MAP) and ICWP hosted a joint Eid al-Fitr Prayer and Celebration at the North Park Sports Complex.
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast for 30 days from dawn to dusk. The end is celebrated through Eid al-Fitr, which begins with communal prayers.
“This celebration is an opportunity to bring people together in a spirit of unity and gratitude,” said Mohcine Eljoufri, executive director of the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh. “We are honored to host so many of our community to celebrate this special day with us.”
In the Holy Month of Ramadan, observers fast for 30 days and take part in an iftar meal, starting with dates and water, to break the daily fast each evening.
The Islamic Center of Pittsburgh and the Attawheed Islamic Center are two of the largest mosques in western Pennsylvania, and more than 6,000 people attended their event.
