Windsor Muslims celebrate Eid at WFCU Centre
This year, Eid falls just days after a deadly bombing killed more than 250 people in Baghdad
"Terrorists and extremists" were the target of a Windsor imam's sermon Wednesday morning at the WFCU Centre, as thousands of Muslims gathered to celebrate Eid-Ul-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Imam Sh. Abdallah Hammood took aim at those who "mutilate the reputation of our noble religion."
Eid is a three-day festival of thanksgiving to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It's a time for millions of Muslims around the world to enjoy time with friends and family and share gifts.
It is often compared to Christmas.
This year, Eid falls just days after a deadly bombing killed more than 250 people in Baghdad and about a week after 20 hostages were killed during a 12-hour standoff at a restaurant in Bangladesh.
Condemning violence
The extremist group ISIS claimed responsibility for the Baghdad bombing and group linked to ISIS in Bangladesh is believed to be responsible for the incident there.
Lina Chaker from the Windsor Islamic Council expected the latest incidents of terrorism to be addressed in Wednesday's sermon.
"It was a pretty significant thing that happened and it is going to be something that is going to be reflected upon, for sure," she told CBC's Windsor Morning.
Chaker hopes the attacks have no impact on the celebrations in Windsor.
"I hope everybody is able to still celebrate and not give in to those who are trying to hurt them," she said.
ISIS, which stands for the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, is a group of Sunni jihadists with roots in Iraq, which seeks to create an Islamic state in eastern Syria and northern Iraq based on sharia law.
"Terrorists who commit criminal acts in the names of Islam mutilate the reputation of our noble religion" Hammood told the congregation Wednesday morning.
Imam Sh. Abdallah Hammond addresses Eid congregation with forceful message against the terrorist and extremists <a href="https://t.co/xHkyo4G2U7">pic.twitter.com/xHkyo4G2U7</a>
—@WindsorIslamicC"Terrorists who commit criminal acts in the names of Islam mutilate the reputation of our noble religion" the imam said to the congregation
—@WindsorIslamicCAfter prayer, and starting at 11 a.m., there will be some family fun, including entertainment, face painting and clowns.
Of course, there will be lots of food. It will be the first daylight meal in a month for many of the people there.
For many community members, the celebration began Tuesday night with fireworks at the Rose City Islamic Centre.
Since today is a workday, a community Eid Festival will also be held Saturday at the Rose City Islamic Centre from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.