Thousands gather at St. John’s mosque to celebrate Eid-al-Fitr

Friday morning's dusting of snow was no match for the large crowd visiting the Suleman Dawood Masjid in St. John’s for Eid-al-Fitr. A busy service marked the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month. 

Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador president Haseen Khan said Eid celebrates a successful month of fasting, praying and self-reflection in the name of Allah — the Arabic word for God.

Upward of 5,000 showed up to the mosque, Khan estimated. Two morning prayers were planned, but a third was added to accommodate the crowd. 

“This is also a testament to the unity in action where the rituals and good deeds are being undertaken in a collective way,” said Khan, standing in the middle of a flock of joyous mosque-goers. 

The Suleman Dawood Masjid first opened last year at the location of a former Catholic church on Torbay Road in St. John’s. It was paid for by Hussain Dawood, who lost his son and grandson in the Titan submersible in 2023. 

It’s now the largest mosque in N.L., able to accommodate 2,500 people at a time. 

The province is home to a diverse Muslim population, with roots in the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and beyond.

“It has grown beyond our expectation and imagination,” he said.

Khan is grateful to see the Muslim association's new spiritual home being put to good use.

“This is not only a place of worship,” said Khan. “It is a kind of sanctuary for spiritual uplift. It is a school for knowledge. It is a hub for unity. Basically, it is kind of central…for Muslims’ day-to-day life.”

Mosque volunteer Mahiba Khan said it’s a chaotic day, but that’s part of the holiday spirit. 

Although N.L.’s Muslim community is growing, it’s a minority in the province. Mahiba said for that reason, it feels special to be able to celebrate in such a big way. 

“The whole community’s coming out but the energy is amazing,” she said. “Everyone's happy to be here. Everyone’s just happy to see each other.”

Mahiba said it’s easy to get lost in the crowd of the mosque — and it was her job Friday to help control the flow of traffic. She told CBC she’s excited to connect with her roots this Eid, and she plans on getting brunch with her family and friends when she’s done.