Posted at 9:52 a.m., Monday, October 23, 2006
Muslims gather at Magic Island this morning to celebrate the end of Ramadan
By Mary Kaye Ritz
Advertiser Religion & Ethics Writer
Ramadan, the celebration of Muhammed's transmission of the Quran, is marked by daylong fasts for those who are able, and closely adhering to the pillars of the Islamic faith.
Today's eid prayer time began with stragglers making their way to the sunny spot at 8:30 a.m. at Magic Island. Afterward, women and men enjoyed pastries — in separate areas, of course. (In Islam, men and women pray separately, too.)
This year, the Muslin Association of Hawai'i is trying something different: Instead of one eid, or festival, to end the fast, it is setting aside another day for children and families.
Said Hakim Ouansafi, spokesman for the association, "The religious part (occurs) on the actual day, but it was difficult to plan" for games and activities for children when the date changes, since it is tied to the sighting of the moon. The keiki activities will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Magic Island, with lunch for members of the mosque. Information: 947-6263 or www.iio.org.
