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SOUTH BRUNSWICK: Muslims celebrate end of month of fasting

By Ed Birch, Special Writer
The Muslim community concluded the holy month of fasting with the celebration of Eid on Monday.
Eid is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.
The religious Eid is a single day when Muslims are not permitted to fast. The holiday celebrates the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan.
The holiday is celebrated locally in South Brunswick by massive celebrations at the Islamic Society of Central Jersey on U.S. Route 1 in Monmouth Junction.
"This year’s celebration drew upwards of 4,000 congregants" according to society President Arif Patel. "This is one big celebration. Everyone is having fun, visiting families and friends, and praying together. There are plenty of vendors selling everything from traditional foods to educational materials, and rides for the youngsters," Mr. Patel said.
"We are not permtted to eat from dawn to dusk. We can not eat anything until after sunset during the fourt weeks of Ramadan," Mr. Patel explained.
"A day after Ramadan is the time to celebrate, and a time to be with family and friends," said 15-year-old Adnan Oudeh of Princeton.
Mahmoud Emara, a 17 year old from Monmouth Junction, said that, "This is a time of happiness after a month of struggle. This is a time of peace and we must all be thankful for what we have."
"This is the time that we forget about materialistic life. We must strive to build greater character," said Helmi Saud, director of religious affairs and a member of the Islamic Society board of trustees.