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There are about 40 to 50 Muslim families living in Springfield, but the Masjid Al-Madina Mosque also tends to attract more from neighboring areas during Eid-Al-Fitr celebrations, according to Ashraf.
During the month of Shawwal, which is considered the holiest month of Islam, Muslims fast for 30 or 39 days, depending on the lunar cycle, according to Ashraf.
“The whole purpose of fasting is to get purification of the soul by abstinence of food,” he said.
Eid-Al-Fitr also emphasizes the importance of giving to the poor, Ashraf said.
“We thank God for giving us everything we need, and we think about the poor, who do not have these things in life.”
Sometimes the holiday begins on different days of the month between various places around the world according to Ashraf. “It depends on which methodology of observation you are following,” he said.
Eid-Al-Fitr begins with a series of prayers. Afterward, family and community members convene for a feast and social gathering, where they exchange gifts with one another.
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The holiday also focuses on the importance of family and community. People tend to travel from different parts of the world to be with their families, according to Samina Ahmed, Treasurer of the Miami Valley Islamic Association. The idea is “to unite and be together with loved ones,” she said.
Celebrations will continue through Sunday. On Saturday, the mosque will host an outdoor celebration for children, where there will be a dinner and live entertainment.
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“The whole purpose of this celebration is to make sure that the whole family gets to enjoy it,” said Ashraf. “We are grateful to be part of this community; we love Springfield. We want to raise good families in Springfield and make it a place where people would like to settle down in.”
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