WILLINGBORO, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Muslims around the world today marked the conclusion of Ramadan with a feast known as Eid al-Fitr.
For 30 days, throughout the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observant Muslims fast from sun-up to sun-down and immerse themselves in the teachings of the Quran. And on the first day of the month of Shawwal, families and friends gather to break the fast and reflect upon their journeys.
For the faithful at the Willingboro Muslim Education Circle, it’s a time of spiritual renewal and discipline.
“All of this is to give attention to the Creator, who has blessed us throughout our lives, throughout our years, identifying that we should be able to take at least a month to give all of our attention to our Lord,” said Sistah Aisamah Muhammad-Muneer.
She says it’s a joyous time, and gifts are given to children.
Chief Imam Muhammad Bakaar says, this year the situation in the Middle East is a concern for every human being, Muslim or not, and they pray for peace.
“We thank God that we are here. God gave us the opportunity to fast in the month of Ramadan and we pray that the almighty Allah accept our fast and our charity, and all the prayers that we've done. We ask the almighty God to accept all of that, inshallah.”
Inshallah is an invocation meaning “if God wills it.”
Member Abdullah Mujahid Khalifa became emotional when thinking about the suffering of the people of Gaza caught in Israel’s war with Hamas.
“Ramadan is a training process for every Muslim to know the suffering that's taking place around the world — not only for Muslim, but non-Muslim — and our job is trying to educate the masses of people, the best way we know how, to reflect on the message of the Creator of the heaven and earth.”
The hope is that good prevails over evil.