Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations bring thousands to Islamic Center in Naperville, Illinois

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Chicago, IL: Thousands of American Muslims gathered in Naperville, Illinois for Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations Monday May 2, 2022.

Muslims gathered in the Embassy suites and two locations of Islamic Center of Naperville (ICN) to join the celebrations of Eid ul-Fitr.

While there were various venues that held Eid prayers throughout the region, the largest turnouts were at the Naperville where arrangements for Eid prayers were made by the Islamic Center of Naperville (ICN) in five spells, at 7:30 am, at 8:30 am, 9:00 am,10: 00 am, and at 11:30 am, a press release from Asian Media USA said.

The Imam for the first session of the Eid prayers was Shayakh Ismail Al-Qadhi, Shayakh Omar Hedroug, for second session, Dr. Abdullah Ansari for the third session, Shayakh Rizwan Ali for the fourth, and Wali Khan for the fifth session.

Organizers estimate more than 8000 devout Muslims, including prominent businessmen, professionals, and community leaders, attended the Eid prayers.

Women in vibrant colored dresses, men in ethnic outfits and children, smiling and laughing, filled the parking lots and poured into all the three locations. Volunteers of the Eid Committee of the ICN welcomed the crowds and the large numbers, the volunteers of the ICN and board members were able to direct the crowds efficiently.

Imam and Residential Scholar of the ICN Rizwan Ali, delivered an inspiring talk on the peace and tranquility people achieved during the month of Ramadan. This happiness, he emphasized, was mainly because of the importance of leaving sin and being consistent, sincere, and dedicated to continuing the good deeds established during Ramadan.

Imam Ali listed some practical ways that people can make fasting, attending the Mosque, reciting the Quran, and giving charity part of their lives even after Ramadan. He also prayed for the volunteers that made Ramadan possible in the community and those who were sick and unable to attend, as well as those facing difficulties and hardships locally and abroad. He ended by encouraging the congregation to rejoice and celebrate the day of Eid by giving gifts and having fun.

Kashif Fakhruddin, president of ICN, described Ramadan is a blessed month in which the Holy Quran was revealed; an occasion for spiritual uplifting, softening of the heart and humbling oneself, sharing and caring, seeking forgiveness from Allah SWT, extending forgiveness to others, and seeking mercy of Allah SWT and praying for the same for others.

“The ICN community, which comprises over 4,500 families, representing heritages from many different countries, addresses the needs of Muslims as well as those who belong to other religions. ICN works very closely with people of other faiths to serve humanity and encourages its members to follow the principles of Tolerance, Justice, Peace and Progress”, Fakhruddin is quoted saying in the press release.

Board members of ICN in a statement, said, “The sacred month of Ramadan is a time of sacrifice and reflection. Ramadan offers an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to peace and justice through the power of faith. Ramadan reminds us that our common bonds far outweigh our differences. I wish everyone a blessed and meaningful Eid-ul-Fitr.  We extend our warmest wishes to the Muslim community of Illinois on this occasion.”