The end of Ramadan brings Eid celebrations to Saskatoon

It's the end of Ramadan and Muslim communities around the world are celebrating.

Thousands of people gathered at the Prairieland Park in Saskatoon on Saturday morning to take part in the prayer of Eid al-Fitr.

"There's two major holidays Muslims celebrate a year. This happens to be one of them," said Aqeel Wahab. "I would say it's the one that's celebrated with the most fervour because we earned [it with] a month of fasting and good behaviour. This is the day that people have been anticipating."

Wahab is part of the Islamic Association of Saskatchewan's Communications and Outreach Community. He saidthat people come from around the world to celebrate with their families in Saskatchewan.

"One thing that we're really thankful for is how amazing this country is and how amazing this city is to be able to bring 50 countries together under one roof," said Wahab.

Faizah Jamil's family travelled to Saskatchewan from as far as Toronto and Abu Dhabi to take part in the Eid celebrations in Saskatoon.

"It's increasing every year because there are more and more people coming and joining our community," said Jamil.

Shehas been taking part in Ramadan for years now. For her, this cycle was especially hard because Ramadan fell in the summer months. This meant that instead of fasting for 12 hours each day, it was a long, 19-hour fast.

It was tough, she said, but it's a rewarding feeling to make it through the entire month.

"The point of fasting is to kind of feel even like the slightest bit of what people around the world that are less fortunate feel every day," she said."So, it kind of gives this responsibility to give more to the people around us and abroad."

Eid celebrations have been held in Saskatoon every year since the 1960s.

According to Wahab, last year's events saw roughly 7,000 peoplejoin in the festivities. This year also brought a large turnout,and although it was a Muslim celebration, Wahab encouragespeople of all backgrounds to join.

"Everyone is welcome to check out the mosque at any time if they have any questions about Islam. It's an open door policy," he said."Come in, spend some time, ask some questions. We know that people have a lot of questions about our faith."