Eid Celebrated with Great Enthusiasm in the Sacramento Region
By Ras H. Siddiqui
All the Mosques in Sacramento, California celebrated Eid al-Fitr with a great deal of enthusiasm on Monday May 2, 2022. One of the oldest Muslim communities in the United States also happens to reside in this region as South Asians came to settle in this part of the country in the early 1900’s.
Initially a small group which became part of the “Punjabi-Mexican” community here, Muslims mainly from what is now Pakistan are a much more diverse lot after more than 100 years here. Today, we have almost all races, ethnicities, and nationalities in the local Islamic community, as the original “Pakistanis” are now fewer in number than other Muslim groups in California’s Capital City. But they can still be called “Pioneers” for bringing our religion to the American West.
This writer attended a number of Mosques for Jummah (Friday) Prayers during the month of Ramadan. The first one was Tarbiya House in Natomas on April 8 and on April 15 it was SALAM. Both were quite full. On April 22 it was the Islamic Society of Placer County (ISPC) and on April 29 the last Friday prayers for the holy month it was at the Muslim Community of Folsom (MCF). Just to reflect, as little as three decades ago, there was only one Mosque in the Sacramento area. Now there are possibly more than 15 in the region, and one must decide which one to attend.
There were a few gatherings to get us ready for Eid too. On Sunday, May 1, Catering & Events held a very successful Chand Raat (Night before of the Eid Moon Sighting) at the Hilton Arden West. There were fashions and jewelry for sale along with food. Farrukh Hashmi was our host and people came from nearby Stockton, Davis, and other towns to attend. Lodi City Council Member Shak Khan was here. The glitter of Eid in Pakistan was in the air. There were several Mehndi (Henna) vendors applying their art, but it appears not enough people doing the work to cater to the customers. Many left disappointed after their turn did not come even after two hours on waiting lists.
On Eid Day, I attended prayers at the historic Downtown Muslim Mosque located on V Street. Two shifts were held here to accommodate this large congregation. In the courtyard people were purchasing pizzas and jalebis to go, while some of it was being consumed here and, in the cars, parked outside too. Proceeds from the sale assist in raising some funds for the Muslim Mosque Association, which is the governing body of the Mosque, but the price charged is quite low so it could not be much. Sarfraz Sahib from the Board did make an appeal for funds before the prayers so that the maintenance of the building could be sustained. Since this happens to be the oldest continually functioning Mosque in the American West (established around 1947) maintenance is often needed. Sarfraz mentioned that the ladies ghusal facility (for final rites) especially needed some attention. If any reader would like to assist, please visit https://mmasacramento.com/donate.php to donate.
Another reason to visit the Downtown Muslim Mosque for Eid prayers was to meet old friends and Imam Mumtaz Qasmi who has been the spiritual leader of this congregation for around three decades. In his Khutbah, the Imam stressed two important points.: 1) Do not leave your devotion to Islam and worship to the month of Ramadan only. The month may be over but please continue with the practice and devotion to your faith. 2) Never forget service to humanity which is an important part of our faith. Ramadan fasting teaches us what hunger and thirst is like. Imagine the people in this world who are continually hungry and do not know if or when their next meal will come. Imam Qasmi delivered his message both in English and in Urdu. His history of service to our community here in Sacramento has been remarkable and it was a pleasure to see him again and to attend Eid prayers in person after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
To end the day festivities, it was off to the Eid al-Fitr Celebration at Tarbiya House Roseville, to meet Imam Azeez and members of his congregation. Tarbiya occupied this sprawling new facility over two years ago and it has a large following especially in Placer County. This event was well-attended, and it was great to see everyone having a good time with special halal food (the American Style BBQ was a big hit) being sold. Tarbiya made best use of Eid falling on Monday this time because a lot of people (who could not take the full day off) showed up after work to be here and meet their friends.
To conclude, Eid events in the Sacramento region are reflective of Islam in general in America. People from many ethnic and professional backgrounds have brought their talent to this country. And Muslims are becoming a part of the mainstream, because one has started to receive “Ramadan Mubarak” and “Eid Mubarak” greetings from people outside of our faith now. So let us stay positive.
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