Over 1,000 Muslims gather to celebrate festival that marks end of Ramadan

Over 1,100 Muslims from northern Westchester and beyond gathered in Pleasantville on Friday morning to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a holiday that marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

They sat and kneeled for prayers on sheets spread across a grass lawn outside the Upper Westchester Muslim Society's community center. The center opened in 2019 after two decades of planning and fundraising.

After prayers, everyone gathered for a meal together, with many snapping selfies and family photos in traditional dress.

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a month during which observant Muslims fast from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, or the core beliefs and practices of the faith.

Of the 29-day fast, Amr Hafez, chair of the UWMS's board of trustees, said "It's very good to take out the stress of the working day and take a break and focus on getting closer to Allah − God − and the Prophet (Peace be upon him)."

In June, Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Adha, the second annual Muslim festival, which comes at the end of the Hajj, an annual pilgrimage made by millions of Muslims to the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

Hafez said he was gratified by how far the Upper Westchester Muslim Society has come after finally finding a home.

"We are very, very happy and pleased to have this gathering," he said.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Westchester NY Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr at Pleasantville center