Chicago area Muslims celebrated Eid al-Fitr with safety protocols

Muslims around the world, including the U.S., celebrated another Eid al-Fitr during a coronavirus pandemic on Thursday, May 13. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Many Muslim Imams, religious leaders and devotees thanks to God almighty that this year is much better than last year. We are still not standing and praying shoulder-to-shoulder, but our heart is together. We still miss many of our brothers and sister who pass away during pandemic. They used to celebrated eid with us.

Before the pandemic, Eid al-Fitr celebration in Chicago area typically draws 3,000 to 5,000 devotees in many parts of the Chicago area. But this year they break down in several prayers to prevent large gatherings. Most of Islamic Centers held three to five prayers.

Masks were strictly required, and temperatures were taken at the front door. Devotees were asked to bring their own prayer rugs and bags for their shoes.

In the Chicago area, most of the Masjid and Islamic centers offer to pray Eid Salah, but they avoid Mass gathering and implemented physical and social distancing measures aimed at interrupting transmission by reducing interaction between people. Prayers observe outdoor in most masjid and Islamic centers, but indoor congregations performed in various locations.

Second year as the pandemic again forces varying restrictions all over the world. Muslim is hoping they are a few months away to back to normal.

Muslim Community Center, Chicago and Morton Grove ordinarily welcome thousands of worshippers during the Eid every year but they offered three prayers.

Kamran Hussain, president of Muslim Community Center, said during an interview, "We are still taking measures to control the spread of the coronavirus since last year. We implement these restrictions because our community is very important for us."