Thousands of Triangle Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr in Raleigh [Video]

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — About 8500 Muslims-representing 75 different nationalities-from all over the Triangle gathered at the fairgrounds on Tuesday to celebrate Eid al-Fitr.

“Having a melting pot so to speak but with the commonality of one faith,” said Mohamed ElGamal, Islamic Association of Raleigh.

“It’s a celebration of really the human spirit and sacrifice. This is a month of giving, a month of charity, a month of fasting,” said Mohamed AbuTaleb, who presided over prayer service.

Eid is the end of Ramadan. For a month, Muslims fast and give back to their community. The day begins with a prayer service as families continue their traditions together.

“Something I remember is the breaking of the fast. And so all of the sudden that glass of water or the simplest morsel of food looks like a feast. Because you’ve felt the hunger that many people here and across the world feel,” AbuTaleb said.

And that …