MOUNT Gambier’s Muslim community gathered at St Paul’s Church Hall on Saturday evening to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the feast that marks the end of Ramadan.
Eid al-Fitr or the ‘festival of breaking the fast,’ a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims world wide, commemorates the end of Islam’s holiest month of Ramadan, during which Muslims adhere to a strict fast observed from sunrise to sunset.
Around 40 guests enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere and an abundant feast, with Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell and Father Dean of the Mount Gambier Catholic Parish among invited guests.
Muslim community member Saad Habib welcomed guests and recited verses from the Quran before explaining the significance of the event.
“Today we are celebrating the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which is celebrated for three days and on the morning of the first day, Muslims across the world gather for prayer,” Mr Habib said.
“Eid al-Fitr was actually two weeks ago on the 25th of June, but we got the hall booking today so we will celebrate today,” he added with a laugh.
He said Mount Gambier had “a small but significant” Muslim community, comprising of people from different backgrounds, mostly representing Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Turkey, Iraq and Afghanistan.
“Members of the Muslim community are proud residents of this town and part and parcel of the wider Mount Gambier community, mostly working in the health, education and agriculture sectors,” Mr Habib said.
“Apart from celebrating the festival of Eid al-Fitr, this gathering also marks our gratitude to St Paul’s Parish and is an opportunity for us to acknowledge the Catholic Parish for allowing us to use their facilities for weekly prayers.”
Mr Habib said the gathering was arranged to promote harmony and understanding.
“One aspect of arranging such a gathering is to cultivate an environment of peace and harmony,” Mr Habib said.
“These kind of events go a long way in dispelling the rampant hysteria around Muslims and their efforts to integrate in wider Australian society.”
