The Final Call

Celebrations, festivities mark the end of a holy month

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CHICAGO—Gratitude was the spirit of the Muslims that gathered, prayed and broke bread with one another, June 12 at the National Center, international headquarters of the Nation of Islam during the holy month of Ramadan. Believer’s gathered in observation of Laylat-al-Qadr.

Laylat-al-Qadr (Night of Majesty or Night of Power) marks the sacred time in which the first verses of the Holy Qur’an—the book of scripture of the Muslims—was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) 1,400 years ago. Muslims from various communities across Chicago came together to embrace this sacred evening.

The masala (prayer room) of Mosque Maryam filled quickly with Muslims eager to hear Imam Sultan Rahman Muhammad speak on the value of the words of the Holy Qur’an and to lead those gathered in Salat-al-Maghrib, the sunset prayer. Members of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan’s family as well as Student Minister Ishmael Muhammad, national assistant to Min. Farrakhan, also attended.

The sight of unity brought smiles to many guests’ faces as it did last year when Minister Farrakhan delivered a powerful message to the hundreds whom attended.

Refreshments including soup and salad were served next door at Muhammad University of Islam for iftar (breaking of the fast) and the clear, beautiful night concluded with Salat-Isha, the evening prayer.

On June 15 Muslims gathered once again at Mosque Maryam for the Eid-al-Fitr prayers marking the end of the 30 days of Ramadan. Eid is a joyous and festive time and is oftentimes celebrated over a three-day period with activities, fellowship and festivities for the entire family.

Muslims from the Nation of Islam gathered June 14 at Akhirah’s Praline to support the Believer’s Bailout Iftar in Chicago. The initiative supports Muslims who are incarcerated. Arron Muhammad, owner of Akhirah’s along with this wife Amy, hosted the festivities. And as in years past to mark the end of Ramadan, Muslims from the community of Imam WD Mohammad, son of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, hosted an Eid celebration at Hazel Crest Park.