The Muslim community of Ottawa and Outaouais celebrates the end of Ramadan

In Gatineau, the small informal gathering planned at the Islamic Center of the Outaouais took on the appearance of a big party after two years during which health restrictions had limited the possibilities.

It is a great joy! After three years of confinement, this is the first time that we have had so many peoplerejoices Ibrahim Sballil, chairman of the board of directors of the Islamic Center of Outaouais. This morning, we received so many people that we had to say three prayers in a row. It is a great pleasure to see that the community is there, that it is happy, to celebrate the end of Ramadan. It really is a great moment!

” This is the first time that we have received so many people, even before the pandemic. »

Among the participants, Rokia Toue-Kave did not hide her enthusiasm.

I think it’s really good, because it’s been a long time since I came to this mosque. […] Seeing people, praying at the mosque, going with my cousins…

Parents and children came to celebrate the end of Ramadan at the Outaouais Islamic Center on Monday.

Photo: Radio-Canada / Nafi Alibert

Eid-al-Fitr, this Monday, marks the end of a month of fasting for Muslims who observe Ramadan. A way to put yourself in the shoes of those who are struggling to feed themselves, but also to create solidarity with the most vulnerable people, since donations are collected and then redistributed, explains Mr. Sballil.

We fasted for a month during the day and prayed at night. […] For a month, people don’t eat or drink, from sunrise to sunset. […] Today is reward dayexplains the president of the Islamic Center of Outaouais.

Ramadan is also a time to show generosity, says the chairman of the board of directors of the Islamic Center of Outaouais.

Photo: Radio-Canada / Nafi Alibert

At 12, Sarah Damen Debih, from Gatineau, is not on her first fast, she says.

It doesn’t have to be, but I like to do it. It’s really interesting. […] I don’t like being the only one not fasting at home, because there are only grown-ups. Especially since in the evening we eat a lot, so it’s fun to do it with the familyshe smiles.

Celebrating the end of Ramadan in Canada is necessarily different than celebrating it in your country of origin, admits Ibrahima Thiam, with a big smile. But in Gatineau, this Senegalese feels blessed to be able to share this moment with his mother, his sister and his nephews.

Here, we have a small community of Muslims. […] In Canada, it’s a bit restricted, because some are at work and can’t party all day. […] But it’s only a postponementhe said.

The end of Ramadan drew people to the Islamic Center of Outaouais on Monday.

Photo: Radio-Canada / Nafi Alibert

The Outaouais Islamic Center is also organizing a big celebration for families next Sunday, with a barbecue, activities and games, to allow everyone to come and celebrate.

Justin Trudeau attends prayers in Ottawa

On the other side of the river, the Muslim community of Ottawa also marked the event on Monday morning, notably at the Center EY.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended Eid prayers with members of the Muslim community and delivered remarks, highlighting the return of in-person gatherings after two difficult years marked by the pandemic.

In recent years, funding for security infrastructure that helps protect communities at risk, including places of worship, has quadrupled. I know that this was an important request from many members of the Muslim community and in the 2022 budget, it is proposed to appoint a special representative for the fight against Islamophobiahe also insisted, accompanied by several elected federal and provincial Liberals.

With information from Nafi Alibert