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Port Charlotte Muslims Celebrate the End of Ramadan

The prayer room of Masjid Nurwas filled wall to wall with men and women wearing elaborate, brightly colored clothing. They greeted one another warmly, as they found their way to open spots on the ruby-colored carpet.Listen to the audio version of this story.

They have all come to celebrate the beginning of Eid al-Fitr, a religious holiday.

Shereen Ally's family has been attending Masjid Nur since the 1980s. She said the holiday is celebrated yearly to mark the end of Ramadan. 

"(Ramadan) is a period of about a month where we fast from sunrise to sunset," Ally said. "We do this symbollically so that we can try to abstain from the things of the world."

Ally said that after the 30 days of fasting for Ramadan, Muslims celebrate for three days.

Imam Yusuf Memon led the opening prayers for Eid. He has been with the mosque for three years.  

“The first day, we do all the main celebration — like, getting together in our congregation, praying our prayer — and then, the rest of the days are mainly eating and drinking and enjoying your time with your family and friends,” Memon said.

During Eid al-Fitr, extended families get together, neighbors visit and gifts are given to loved ones.

Once prayers were finished, the congregation gathered for a buffet-style breakfast.

Faiza Kedir said she looks forward to this holiday every year. She said she likes to make elaborate dishes from her homeland of Ethiopia to share with her family and neighbors.

“It's like our Christmas for Muslims because it's not only about the material," Kedir said. "It is a family bonding as well as, throughout the day, glorifying our mighty god.”  

Masjid Nur has events planned for the remainder of the week.

Women embrace one another after prayer at Masjid Nur in Port Charlotte.
Andrea Perdomo / WGCU
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WGCU
Women embrace one another after prayer at Masjid Nur in Port Charlotte.
A woman reads prayers  on a sheet of paper on which are written in Arabic with English pronouncers so members can follow along.
Andrea Perdomo / WGCU
/
WGCU
A woman reads prayers on a sheet of paper on which are written in Arabic with English pronouncers so members can follow along.
Samera Musallet holds a baby before Eid al-Fitr prayers. "He is one of the younger members of our congregation," Musallet said.
Andrea Perdomo / WGCU
/
WGCU
Samera Musallet holds a baby before Eid al-Fitr prayers. "He is one of the younger members of our congregation," Musallet said.
Women serve themselves plates to share a meal together in celebration of Eid al-Fitr. The holiday is held every year to mark the end of Ramadan.
Andrea Perdomo / WGCU
/
WGCU
Women serve themselves plates to share a meal together in celebration of Eid al-Fitr. The holiday is held every year to mark the end of Ramadan.

Copyright 2019 WGCU

Andrea Perdomo is a reporter for WGCU News. She started her career in public radio as an intern for the Miami-based NPR station, WLRN. Andrea graduated from Florida International University, where she was a contributing writer for the student-run newspaper, The Panther Press, and also a member of the university's Society of Professional Journalists chapter.