Florida Muslims close out Ramadan with communal prayer times, locations

On Wednesday, July 6, the Florida Muslim community will celebrate the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan with communal prayers.

[NOTE: Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from break of dawn to sunset. Consult local mosques or Muslim community leaders for exact dates and times of Eid ul-Fitr activities.]

The prayers mark the beginning of the Eid ul-Fitr (EED-al-FITTER), or “feast of fast breaking” holiday, in which Muslims exchange social visits and seek to strengthen family and community bonds. During this holiday, Muslims greet each other by saying “Eid mubarak” (EED-moo-BAR-ak), meaning “blessed Eid,” and “taqabbalallah ta’atakum,” or “may God accept your deeds.” Many communities also hold multicultural bazaars and other family activities following the prayers.

Eid ul-Fitr is the first of the two major Muslim holidays. The second holiday, Eid ul-Adha (EED-al-ODD-ha), comes near the end of the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca.

WHEN: Wednesday, July 6, 2016. Prayers are held early in the morning.

WHERE: The Eid prayers are held either in local mosques or in public facilities designed to accommodate large gatherings. CAIR-Florida spokespersons will be attending the following Eid prayers in three different cities at their respective times and locations:

Tampa:

The Florida State Fairgrounds at 4800 N Highway 301, Tampa, FL. at 8:00 a.m.

(using Main Gate for entry).

Orlando:

Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake at

3401 S Hiawassee Rd, Orlando, FL 32835 at

9:00 a.m.

South Florida: South Florida Fair Grounds at 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33421

at 8:00 a.m.

(using Gates 3 and 12 for entry).

CONTACT: CAIR-Florida representatives attending these prayers:

Tampa: CAIR-Florida Community Outreach Director, Majda Rahmanovic, 813.514.1414,