The Muslim Council of Calgary
5615 – 14th Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta

MEDIA ADVISORY
September 18, 2009

Calgary Muslims Celebrate End of Ramadan Fasting With Communal Holiday

WHAT:  On September 20, 2009*, the Calgary Muslim community will celebrate the end of the month long fast of Ramadan with communal worship in the city. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from the break of dawn to sunset.

The prayers mark the beginning of the Eid ul-Fitr (eed-al-fitter), or “Festival of Fast Breaking” holiday, in which Muslims exchange social visits and seek to strengthen bonds of community. During this holiday, Muslims greet each other by   saying “Eid Mubarak” (eed-moo-bar-ak).

Eid ul-Fitr is the first of the two major Muslim holidays. The second holiday comes at the end of the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca. There are an estimated 60,000-70,000 Muslims in Calgary and 800,000 Muslims across Canada.

WHEN:          Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 9:30AM  (*Because Ramadan is a lunar month, the actual date is governed by sighting of the new moon. The exact date for Eid will be either Sept. 20 or Sept. 21, please contact for confirmation)

WHERE:       Akram Jomaa Islamic Centre (Old Rundle College Site)
                       2612 - 37th Avenue NE and Barlow Trail

Photo Opportunity: Each year, Calgary Muslims from many different countries come to the Eid prayers in colourful dress. The prayers themselves are quite visual, with worshippers arranged in neat rows and bowing in worship in unison. Participants exchange embraces at the conclusion of the prayers.

NOTE:  Because this is a religious service, reporters and photographers of both genders should dress modestly. That means no shorts for men or short skirts for women. Female reporters and photographers may be asked put a scarf over their hair while in the actual worship area. Photographers should arrive early to get into position for the best shots. Photographers are also advised not to step directly in front of worshippers and to seek permission for close-up shots. Shots of shoes removed for prayer, and rear-angle shots of prostrating worshippers are considered inappropriate.

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CONTACT: David Liepert, Spokesperson, 403.650.4025