Area Muslims celebrate 'happiest' day
Published: Wed, Oct. 01, 2008 02:01PM
Modified Wed, Oct. 01, 2008 02:06PM
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closeRALEIGH -- Today marks the climactic end of the month-long Ramadan fast as thousands of Muslims from across the Triangle gathered for congregational prayers at the State Fairgrounds Exposition Center in Raleigh.
The occasion, known as Eid al-Fitr (EED al FIH-trr), the happiest day of the Muslim year, is a celebration of the spiritual sacrifice Muslims make during the month of Ramadan when they refrain from eating or drinking from dawn to dusk. Literally, Eid al-Fitr means the feast of the fast breaking.
At the State Fairgrounds Exposition Center, Triangle Muslims observed Eid al-Fitr by prostrating in neat, single-file lines for prayers, then kissing and hugging one another and making plans to visit family and friends.
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The event also involves festivities. Muslims make the rounds visiting family and friends, giving to the needy and generally eating lots of sweets.
Nuha Abdulhadi of Chapel Hill was headed for the International House of Pancakes for a celebratory breakfast with family. Nasreen Afridi of Cary headed home, where she was preparing dinner for 200 guests.
Traditionally celebrated for three days in mostly Muslim countries, the feast is shorter in the United States. Many Muslims took the today off from work and school. Some rented halls to celebrate with family and friends. Others took their children to amusement parks.
The traditional greeting "Eid Mubarak" means "happy feast." The response may be "Eid Karim," "generous feast."
yonat.shimron@newsobserver.com or (919) 829-4891
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