Highlights from Ramadan, Lailatul Qadr & Eid
By Mohamad Chehade
This Ramadan, followed by the Eid, was so special in many ways. Below are some highlights and reflections from this blessed occasion, including the Lailatul Qader night
Ramadan
ü It was not only Taraweeh prayers that packed the Masjid in Ramadan, but also the five daily prayers and many activities. It was like a bee hive from thuher prayer to late at night.
ü Worshippers lived all ibadat in this blessed month. Not only did they fast and pray, but they also had a daily chance to give Zakat and sadaqah to various causes, ranging from new institutions being established, and local needy families, to humanitarian and civic programs.
ü Daily commentary by our Imams was given between Taraweeh, tackling issues important to Muslims in the west.
ü Many iftar gatherings took place just across the Masjid for hundreds of people daily, so worshippers could stay after Maghreb in the vicinity of the Masjid until end of Taraweeh.
Lailatul Qadrü It was a whole night worship program, from Isha'a prayer until fajir prayer, including a lecture for youth by Imam Jamal Said.
ü Over 280 donors gave or pledged to give about $630,000 for the Masjid during the fundraising night.
ü Five imams led prayers that night.
ü Suhur was offered to worshippers who made Qiyam the whole night; over 1200 individual meal packs were prepared.
ü An army of volunteers consisting of 28 sisters, 45 brothers and 4 police officers insured round-the-clock organizational efforts during that night.
ü It was a night of prayer, sadaqah, Qiyam, doua'a, and words of wisdom.
ü Imam Jamal asked who saw some worshipers going out to smoke during the night, then asked those who smoked to raised their hands after Fajir prayer; about twenty people did, then he encouraged them to pledge to quit smoking; 9 of them pledged to do that. This is the 2nd year such a pledge took place, and many of those who took the pledge last year never smoked again.
ü During Taraweeh prayer of that night all 5 halls were filled with worshippers, which exceeded 2500 worshippers, many of whom stayed the whole night in the Masjid.
Eidul Fitrü “It was the best Eid ever!” That was said by so many, not only the best time for children, but also for adults.
ü All Muslims in Chicago (over 400,000) celebrated Eid on the same day this year.
ü Over 12,000 Muslims from our community and southwest suburbs of Chicago attended Eid prayer at Toyota Park Stadium.
ü Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Bridgeview Mayor Steven Landek , and Cook County Board President Todd H. Stroger, among others, attended the event. The governor congratulated our community and said it was an honor and a privilege to speak to the Illinois Muslim community and celebrate this important holiday with them.
ü Although thousands of cars were heading in the same direction at the same time, it was a very smooth drive in and out, and the organization of the event was amazing thanks to over 120 volunteers ensuring that we had the best Eid ever!
ü After Eid prayer, hundreds of families with young children came to the Masjid parking lot, which was turned into an amusement park, to enjoy a full day of entertainment from jumping and sliding to pony rides, etc.
ü It was great weather on a Sunday to enjoy Eid, and our 650 weekend school students had an Eid party and received gifts the following Sunday as well.
We thank Allah (swt) for giving us the opportunity to be able to perform our duties in Ramadan and we ask Him to permit us to live to witness more Ramadans to come. We also pray for those who insured that we truly live the spirit of Ramadan, especially the extraordinary efforts of our Imams, Sh. Jamal Said and Sh. Kifah Mustapha, as well as our staff, Br. Tareq Abuammer, Br. Husam Elayyan and Sr. Connie Martin.
Furthermore, special doua’a and thanks for our army of volunteers, who are too many to name, but special thanks to their leading organizers; from the brothers side: Br Fawzy Hasan (Traffic & Order Committee chair), Br. Dahoud Shalabi (Events Committee Chair), Br Habis Abdallah, Br Saleh Abdelrahman, and from the sisters Sr. Aisheh Said, Sr. Fatima Nassar, Sr. Montaha Salem, Sr. Hana Mizyed, and many more.