Sydney Muslims mark end of fasting with joyous Eid celebrations

Muslims are celebrating Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, with family and friends in thousands of homes across south west Sydney and Australia.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian celebrates Eid al-Fitr at Lakemba Mosque. Picture: Dean Lewins

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Thousands of Muslims in southwest Sydney and Australia are celebrating Eid al-Fitr, ending 30 days of fasting.

The holy month of Ramadan ended with Eid prayers at southwest Sydney mosques, including Lakemba, Bankstown, Chester Hill, Fairfield and Liverpool.

With rains and clouds covering the sighting of the moon on Monday, several Muslims followed the example of the Gulf states in declaring Eid on Tuesday, said Faten El Dana, the program manager at Muslim community radio station 2MFM, based in Chester Hill.

Local councillor Bilal El-Hayek, who is holding up six-month-old Noah, celebrates Eid with family members at his Greenacre home. Picture: Lawrence Machado

Sheikh Yahya Safi, the Imam of Lakemba Mosque, at the Eid prayers. Picture: Dean Lewins

Premier Gladys Berejiklian greeting Muslims outside Lakemba Mosque. Picture: Dean Lewins

Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Banks federal Liberal MP David Coleman, Watson federal Labor MP Tony Burke, Lakemba state Labor MP Jihad Dib and Opposition spokeswoman for Trade Penny Sharpe were among the dignitaries attending Eid festivities at Lakemba Mosque on Wednesday morning.

Muslims pray at Lakemba Mosque. Picture: Dean Lewins

Eid prayers were held across southwest Sydney mosques, including Canterbury Bankstown, Liverpool, Smithfield, Cabramatta, Bonnyrigg and Carramar.

“Mosques in Chester Hill, Bankstown and Liverpool held Eid prayers on Tuesday, with our family celebrating the same day,” Mrs El Dana said.

Muslims huddle under umbrellas outside the Lakemba Mosque following Eid prayers. Picture: AAP

“This year because the moon could not be sighted due to the bad weather, we followed the Gulf states who declared Eid on Tuesday.

“However, other Muslims celebrated Eid on Wednesday while residents (originally) from Asian countries like India and Pakistan, celebrate Eid based on the moon sighting back home.

“Some Muslims also announced when Eid will be declared 10 days ago based on astronomy.”

Labor MP Jihad Dib at Lakemba Mosque. Picture: AAP

Mother of four Mrs El Dana said traditionally after Eid prayers at the mosques, the men will pay the zakat — used for charitable and religious purposes — so the poor can purchase the food they need to celebrate Eid.

Banks MP David Coleman attended the Eid service. Picture: AAP

Watson MP Tony Burke at Lakemba Mosque. Picture: AAP

Labor’s Penny Sharpe at Lakemba Mosque. Picture: AAP

Councillor Bilal El-Hayek with wife Mayson and children Adam, Tasnim, Mustapha and Noah, during Eid celebrations at his Greenacre home. Picture: Lawrence Machado

Children enjoy the joys of the trampoline during the Eid celebrations at Bilal El-Hayek’s home in Greenacre. Picture: Lawrence Machado

“After Eid prayers, our families gather at the home of the eldest, which is usually our parents or in-laws and we have breakfast and lunch,” she said.

“Eid is an occasion where families and friends gather after a whole month of fasting.
“In the afternoon, we visit out family and friends and many of us also visit the cemeteries to remember our loved ones.

“In the evening, we exchange gifts.”

Muslims pray at Lakemba Mosque. Pictures: AAP

Councillor Bilal el-Hayek — who has four children — and his extended family celebrated at his home, after morning prayers at Bankstown.

“It is a very joyous occasion for us because it is the end of fasting for 30 days,” said Cr El-Hayek, who hosted a grand lunch for his family.

“All the children have a lot of fun and we give them cash gifts and toys.

“In the afternoon, we visit our relatives.

Lakemba Mosque was packed with worshippers to mark Eid-el-Fitr. Picture: AAP

“There is plenty of sweets to eat with maamoul made specially for Eid.”

maamoul is usually made with dates, nuts and fruits.

Meanwhile, there are plenty of activities to mark Eid in Bankstown, with two main events at the Paul Keating Park and Bankstown Showground.

IN OTHER NEWS

The 10th Eid Show will be held at Bankstown Showground, 178 Eldridge Rd, Condell Park, from Friday to Sunday, where multicultural food and dessert trucks will vie with other attractions including a jetpack show, stuntmen, Eid Show Got Talent by Human Appeal Australia, petting farm, reptile zoo, camel and horse carriage rides, amusement rides. This will be topped off with a spectacular fireworks display.

Friday: 4-10pm: Saturday and Sunday: 11am-10pm. Details: eidshow.com

The Sydney Eid Festival will be held at the Paul Keating Park, Bankstown this Saturday and Sunday from 10am-8pm, with plenty of entertainment on offer for the family. Details: https://www.facebook.com/SydneyEidFestival/