Thousands in London, Ont. come together for Eid al-Fitr
It is a special time for Muslims here at home and around the world, as Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Friends, families and faith leaders in London’s Muslim community gathered at the BMO Centre for prayers and celebration Wednesday.
Hena Mian, her husband Ahmad Mian, along with her mother and their four children were taking in the celebrations.
Hena told CTV News London they moved to London from Mississauga two-and-a-half years ago. It took some time, but they eventually settled in to their new home.
“At first it was very quiet,” explained Hena. “Didn’t know people from our community. But now that we’ve been here a while it feels like we have a pretty good community here.”
For one month Muslims have been fasting from dawn to sunset.
“It’s very special because we fasted for the 30 days, and you reap the rewards after,” said Hena.
The Mian family is seen at BMO Centre in London, Ont. for Eid celebrations on April 10, 2024. (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London)
She continued, “You become closer to your religion and beliefs. Our daughters, they fasted on and off. So it’s something new for them. So they get to celebrate after for all the hard work they did during Ramadan.”
While it is a time for family and celebration, it’s also an opportunity for many to reflect on the heartache here at home and around the world, said Muslim community leader Nawaz Tahir.
“Physically we are here, but our hearts are with our brothers and sisters in Gaza,” he said. “And here in London obviously after the Afzaal family trial, and dealing with all of the emotions that came out of that. It’s still nice to get together as a community, and that’s why really happy to see the big crowd today.”
Eid celebrations begin in London, Ont. on April 10, 2024. (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London)Several thousand people attended Wednesday’s events, which drew heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic around the Western Fair District.
Both city police and CN Rail police patrolled traffic and managed crowd control.
It was all for an event the whole community embraces, said Muaz Hessen, who took part in prayers at the BMO Centre.
“This is the occasion where all the Muslim community, even not a single person miss this event. That’s why like a lot of people, a lot of community we can see here,” he said.
Eid celebrations begin in London, Ont. on April 10, 2024. (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air Canada walks back new seat selection policy change after backlash
Air Canada has paused a new seat selection fee for travellers booked on the lowest fares just days after implementing it.
Province boots mayor and council in small northern Ont. town out of office
An ongoing municipal strike, court battles and revolt by half of council has prompted the province to oust the mayor and council in Black River-Matheson.
3 law officers serving warrant are killed, 5 wounded in shootout at North Carolina home, police say
Three officers on a U.S. Marshals Task Force serving a warrant for a felon wanted for possessing a firearm were killed and five other officers were wounded in a shootout Monday at a North Carolina home, police said.
'Shocked and concerned': Calgary principal charged with possession of child pornography
A Calgary elementary school principal has been charged with possession of child pornography, authorities announced Monday.
Health authority confirms cockroaches at B.C. hospital, insists they 'do not bite'
The Vancouver Island Health Authority is downplaying what staff describe as a cockroach infestation in a medical unit of Saanich Peninsula Hospital.
Toronto police arrest 12 people, lay 102 charges in major credit card fraud scheme
Toronto police say 12 people are facing a combined 102 charges in connection with an investigation into a major credit fraud scheme.
Winner of US$1.3 billion Powerball jackpot is an immigrant from Laos who has cancer
One of the winners of a historic US$1.3 billion Powerball jackpot last month is an immigrant from Laos who has had cancer for eight years and had his latest chemotherapy treatment last week.
Britney and Jamie Spears settlement avoids long, potentially ugly and revealing trial
Britney Spears and her father Jamie Spears will avoid what could have been a long, ugly and revealing trial with a settlement of the lingering issues in the court conservatorship that controlled her life and financial decisions for nearly 14 years.
WATCH 'Double whammy': What happens if you don't file your taxes by the deadline
The clock is ticking ahead of the deadline to file a 2023 income tax return. A personal finance expert explains why you should get them done -- even if you owe more than you can pay.