Muslims in Chicago observe Eid prayers without hugging or shaking hands this year
The word 'Eid' means 'festival'. Each year Muslims celebrate both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Festivals and other religious activities in Islam are based on the lunar calendar which is around 10 or 11 days shorter than the solar calendar.
About 1.9 billion Muslims in the world perform special prayers at their local mosque and have a day of celebrations with family and friends. Eid-ul-Adha was celebrated in Chicago and around the country on Friday, July 31st, 2020.
Many Masjid and Islamic centers offer to pray Eid Salah, but they have implemented physical and social distancing measures aimed at interrupting transmission by reducing interaction between people.
According to the local mosque Imam Muhammad Illyas during an Interview, He said, "Prayer important for us but more important for us is safety. Since the entire world is currently battling coronavirus, we must take extra care for the Health of our Community."
Guidelines posted several places in mosques and Islamic centers and advised all worshippers bringing their own prayer rugs, wearing mandatory masks.
Saud Gazanfer from Muslim Association of Bolingbrook "We asked to bring their own prayer mats if they can and must pray six feet apart from one another."
Muslim religious leaders and Chicago base Muslim organization Such as CIOGC advised and emphasized the community members not to hug each other and not to shake hands on Eid. Three or more back-to-back Prayer services held in the several Islamic Center across Chicago and Suburbs. Masjid Al-Jumu'ah Bolingbrook held Five Prayers. Prayers observe outdoor in most masjid but indoor congregations perform in various locations.
The Islamic center of Des Plaines President Fazal Mahmood said, "We are enforcing face covering and social distancing requirements under Governor Pritzker's executive order."
Amin, from the Islamic center of Des Plaines, said, "Eid prayer normally attracts big crowds. Today is a very important Day for us, but we are trying our best to balance Eid rituals and celebrations with virus concerns."