On Thursday nearly 1,000 Muslims from around the region gathered at the Spokane Islamic Center to celebrate the end of Ramadan with Eid prayers.
“Ramadan was a time to boost our batteries, and boost ourselves,” said Imam Yasser Shahin.
For 40 days local Muslims fasted for 18 hours a day — from sunup to sundown — to rid themselves of unholy habits by practicing self-discipline.
Shahin said the 40-day fast is like running a marathon — at the finish line is a prize. That prize, he explained, is peace and Allah’s favor.
Muslims believe if one’s Ramadan prayers were sincere, then their pleas will be fulfilled and previous sins will be forgiven.
Shahin, who took over as imam of the masjid in April, encouraged worshipers to celebrate the end of Ramadan by visiting family, friends, the sick and the elderly.
This year Ramadan began earlier than in recent years, making for exceptionally long and hot days.
Mamdouh El-Aarag, a member of the Islamic Center’s board, said, however, that with Allah’s help the fasting wasn’t too difficult.
“As humans we put limitations on ourselves,” he said. “But God would not ask us to do something we could not do.”
Eid al-Fitr celebrations will continue Sunday with a community gathering at Mirabeau Meadows Park in Spokane Valley from 12-6 p.m.
