SPOKANE VALLEY — Nearly 800 Muslims came together at the Islamic Center of Spokane on Sunday morning to celebrate Eid-al-Fitr — a holiday marking the end of Ramadan.

Ramadan is Islam’s holy month in which Muslims fast from sunup to sundown, say extra prayers, read the Quran and give to charity.

“Allah granted us with the ability and made it easy for us and gave us guidance,” said Saleh Elgiadi, a volunteer at the mosque.  “We’ve learned from fasting how to soften our hearts and suppress our desires.”

He delivered the sermon, since the Islamic Center is seeking an imam.

Elgiadi reminded those in attendance, which included many non-Muslim visitors, to be thankful for Allah’s blessings and to continue the practices of Ramadan into Shawwal, the Islamic month that follows Ramadan.

“Ramadan is a time when we take time off from our daily lives to reflect on, and strengthen our connection with our Lord,” he said. “I encouraged them to keep these things going.”

He also urged them to celebrate Eid-al-Fitr by reaching out to their relatives, friends and neighbors, to attend to the needs of the poor, widowed and sick and to help those who are saddened.

During Islam’s major holidays — Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha — many Muslims worship at the mosque who don’t normally attend.

Following the service, a potluck was held in the parking lot, where foods from all across the globe were represented.

Elgiardi said the Spokane Islamic Center has members from 30 different countries, and from every continent.

“It’s a blessing to have people come together on this occasion and fellowship. This is something that should happen every Friday (at the mosque),” said Abdul Wakil.

In the last two weeks there have been at least seven attacks on U.S. mosques. Elgiadi said the local Muslim community is disheartened by the attacks, but is not fearful.

“We have ample support from the Spokane community…Spokane may have a bad reputation, but it’s really a good group,” he said.

Maleck Chreiki, 15, said he was pleased to see non-Muslims at the Eid celebration, noting it’s the best way to fight Islamophobia.

“People need to be educated about what Islam really is. They should come check it out for themselves. And what will they see? They will see happy people all over, smiling,” he said.

For information on upcoming worship times, visit the Spokane Islamic Center website.

View more photos of this event on our Facebook page.