On a recent radiant Friday morning in Canarsie Park, the gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers, beckoning to hundreds of community members. It was a day of immense significance, a time when people of all backgrounds came together to celebrate the Eid al-Fitr, also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast.”
Reflecting on the Eid celebration, Anas Saleh, one of the Canarsie Muslim community leaders, said, “The Muslim community in Canarsie has grown so much that, weather permitting, our Masjid performs the Eid prayer in Seaview Park. It’s a beautiful sight to see Muslims from all different countries and walks of life come together in unity to celebrate a joyous day!”
The celebration was a powerful reminder of the strength and diversity of the community. People of all races, ethnicities and backgrounds gathered to pray, enjoy each other’s company and listen to the sermon from the Imam. But what was truly remarkable was the inclusivity of the event, which welcomed people from all walks of life to join, experience and learn more about Islamic culture. The Eid al-Fitr celebration was not just a celebration of Muslim traditions, but a celebration of community, culture and faith.
As we reflect on the joyous celebrations of Eid al-Fitr, let us carry forward the spirit of togetherness and use it as a model for building a stronger and more inclusive community. Together, we can continue to celebrate the unique cultures and traditions of our neighbors and work toward a brighter future for all.
– Jibreel Jalloh is a community activist. He founded and runs a Canarsie-based advocacy
organization which has fought for a range of investments. You can learn more at
theflossy.org and follow on social media @TheFlossyOrg. Jibreel graduated from Baruch
College (CUNY) and is currently pursuing a master’s degree at New York University.