At this Minnesota mosque, Eid al-Fitr is a time for joy after a difficult year
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For Muslims in Minnesota and around the world, a month of fasting and reflection is over. Friday is Eid al-Fitr, a celebration marking the end of the month of Ramadan.
At the Nusrat Mosque in Coon Rapids, the day was an opportunity for joy after an especially tough few months.
This community is part of the Ahmadiyya tradition, which operates by the phrase, "Love for All, Hatred for None."
About 50 men and boys gathered here for a sermon and traditional Eid prayer in socked feet and their best clothes.
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Gov. Tim Walz was one of the celebration's special guests. He presented a proclamation marking Eid al-Fitr across Minnesota.
Walz said his attendance was a special gesture to show Muslims they are welcome in this state.
Minnesota's Muslim communities faced targeting and harassment during the federal government's surge of immigration officers to the state.
“They've been through a lot with [Operation] Metro Surge. They've also been through a lot with the war going on,” Walz said.
“It's really important for us to be out here and show them that they are valued, they're part of the state. And we just want to make that welcoming feeling.”
Mirza Haris of Andover attended the service. He acknowledged Friday's celebration came after a very difficult year.
“This year was pretty intense, actually, with the whole situation with the ICE, and the wars in Gaza, and between Iran and the American-Israel war. Especially with the inflation, the prices are going up,” Haris said.
In his sermon, the imam focused on the need for unity amid strife across the world, recognizing persecuted Muslims in Pakistan.
DFL state Sen. John Hoffman also attended the celebration. He represents parts of Coon Rapids and neighboring communities, including Brooklyn Park.
He said this mosque offered prayers and support to him after he was shot nine times last June.
“I am deeply indebted to your prayers and your thoughts that have come to me, because I know I can feel them.” Hoffman said.
Kamal Ahmed is the mosque's director of public relations. He said the mosque’s tradition teaches to take care of their neighbors.
“All are neighbors, so we will take care of them just like our families,” Ahmed said.
Despite the challenges his and other communities have faced, Waqas Khalid of Maple Grove said it’s important not to get hung up on the negative. Eid is about selflessness, and putting smiles on people's faces after a month of sacrifice.
“Eid means happiness and joy to me,” Khalid said.
After Friday's prayer, people greeted each other with three hugs, as is tradition. Children ran, laughed and goofed around.
It's the kind of peace they hope to pull with them — beyond the holy month of Ramadan.
