Hundreds celebrate Eid in Mississauga with parties and prayers

Muslims in Mississauga celebrated Eid al-Fitr with food and parties and prayers for those suffering abroad to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Hundreds gathered at the Islamic Community Centre of Ontario for morning prayers, taking photos afterwards with friends and family near the stands of balloons as part of the festivities.

Abdullatif Bakbak, president-executive of the Muslim Association of Canada, said Eid al-Fitr is an important day in the Muslim calendar. And this year, it comes as thousands of Palestinian people are suffering in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas war, he said.

Bakbak said the suffering, after six months of war, is resonating throughout with Muslims around the world.

"This Eid has been a tough Eid for a lot of people," he said.

"Definitely this magnitude of crisis has affected so many people that we know here," he said. "It is an immense hardship for a lot of people. We are obliged, as brothers and sisters, to support others and show solidarity and support people who are suffering and under siege."

A woman holds bunches of balloons in each hand at Islamic Community Centre of Ontario in Mississauga, Ont., on Eid al-Fitr. (Isidore Champagne/CBC)

"Today, we break our fast, we gather with our loved ones, we celebrate and rejoice that God gives us the ability to fast and the strength, and we pray for peace and justice."

Ramadan is a month of fasting during which observers abstain from food, drink and other pleasures from sunrise to sunset. The sacred month marks a period of religious reflection, family gatherings and giving.

Muslims here share the pain of and are in solidarity with those in Gaza because they are allies and part of one community, he said, adding Palestinian land includes places sacred for Muslims. One member of the Muslim community in the GTA has lost more than 200 members of his extended family in the war so far, he said.

Continuing tradition

Haroon Khan, a community leader, organized an open house at his home to mark the day after two years of not celebrating during the pandemic.

The open house is a 47-year-old tradition passed down by his mother, who came to Canada in 1976, he said.

"We used to do that when we were in Pakistan," he said. "She always used to get family and friends together when she was there. And when she came here, our friends, like my friends, my brother's friends, my sister's friends, they used to come and pay their respect on this holy day."

More than 600 people, including politicians, diplomats and members of the armed forces, were expected at the event throughout the day, he said. Tables were filled with homemade food — Khan's daughter made desserts, while his brother made the main course.

Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie turned out as well.

"Eid Mubarak," Crombie said. "Every year, if I'm in town, it is the place to gather in Mississauga and celebrate Eid."

A guest at the home of Haroon Khan, a Muslim in Mississauga, samples food during an open house held to mark the end of Ramadan. (CBC)

Some restaurants were busy as people turned out to celebrate.

Musa Vakil, owner of the Potato Bar on Ridgeway Drive, said he was happy to see the daytime customers.

"To be honest with you, we thought that we should open a little later because they're praying and everything, but right off the bat as soon as we opened, people were coming in. It seems people are coming out to celebrate, eat with family and friends and enjoy."