Celebratory is an understatement to describe the mood of Muslims leaving the Al-Tawheed mosque on Jersey City’s West Side after Eid-al-Fitr prayers ending the 30-day period of Ramadan. Try super-celebratory.
Throughout the morning on Monday, as many as 5,000 people went to pray as several successive prayer sessions were held to accommodate crowds. Most of the people I saw were young, many families with small children dressed in an array of colors and attire. They spoke a plethora of languages and came from countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and elsewhere.“It was amazing and we are blessed,” said Mohammad Khan, 35, who was heading home to Jersey City.
“We build our lives through the forgiveness of our sins,” said the father. Fath-Allah said it was tough to balance work, school and gym during the pandemic and was happy we are coming out of it. He noted that doing acts of charity is expected during Ramadan and he donated $10 to a woman begging among the worshippers.
I was most impressed with 24-year-old Redha Asofirane from Algeria who has been in the states for six years. Despite the buzz cut sculpting a shock of wavy dark hair, he wore what he called a kamis, a traditional long white dress. Men wore them in all different lengths, styles and colors. I met two young men who identified as Russian immigrants. One did not want to speak but the 31-year-old man said he has been in the states for four years and “it’s better than being in Russia where you can be killed” for your thoughts or opinions.
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