Montreal Muslim community marks end of Ramadan with Eid-ul-fitr
Posted May 2, 2022 9:00 am.
Last Updated May 2, 2022 6:30 pm.
Montreal’s Muslim community came together last week for a Ramadan exhibition in the West Island as the holy moth entered its final stretch – ahead of Eid-ul-fitr on Monday.
The Ramadan Exhibition Bazaar and Market returned after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event featured Muslim entrepreneurs, henna stations and activities for children.
It was organized by Shagufta Janjua, a mother on maternity leave with her third child.
“It’s been two years, we need to come out and showcase our community,” said Janjua.
“There was a need for multiple things such as hijabs, clothing, Islamic artwork. And they had many in Toronto, and we thought, ‘let’s do one with everyone in Montreal.’”
More than 1,000 tickets were reserved for the event.
Samina Uddin was happy to get out and meet the community. The mom of six and community activist was thrilled to take part in the event.
“Isn’t it amazing to have the freedom to get out and to meet people in person?” said Uddin. “I’m here to meet the community really and for Nisa Support. It’s been virtual for the last little while. We’re hoping to do blended events, virtual and in person as well.”
Casey Casem attended the Ramadan exhibition with her family. She saw it as a great way to prepare her family for Eid-ul-fitr on Monday.
“Building new traditions as a convert,” said Casem. “Now that the kids are understanding what Eid is, I want to make it as special as it is.
“Going house to house. Seeing friends, seeing family, Eid salah.”
Eid-ul-fitr is the celebration that takes place after thirty days of fasting for Ramadan.
“Something that is special for me in my home is that the night before, we do henna for our kids,” said Janjua. “I do henna for my daughter Basima. She loves to get her henna done.”
“So my background is from Pakistan,” added Uddin. “So in this Eid after Ramadan, we always have a very favourite or popular sweet dish called sheer korma or savaiyan. So my kids, if they don’t see that they’ll be like, ‘mom what’s going on here, something’s missing here.’ So of course, just getting together with the family.”
