Illinois Muslims to Mark End of Hajj With Prayer and Celebration

(CHICAGO, 11/25/08) - On Friday, November 27th, Muslims all over the world and in America will mark the end of the yearly pilgrimage to Mecca, or Hajj, with communal prayers and celebrations.

Each year, some two million Muslims, including thousands of American Muslims, go for the Hajj pilgrimage.

Hundreds of thousands of Chicago area Muslims will be honoring the occasion and praying in large congregations. For example, at the Mosque Foundation in Bridgeview (7360 W. 93rd St), thousands of Muslims are anticipated to come for prayer at 9a.m. and again at 11 a.m.

This Islamic holiday is called Eid ul-Adha (EED-al-ODD-ha), or “festival of the sacrifice” and it commemorates the Prophet Abraham's faithfulness in willing to sacrifice his son (who was then spared) at God's command, an important historical event in Christianity and Judaism as well.

Eid ul-Adha begins with a short prayer followed by a sermon. The holiday is celebrated with a distribution of food to the needy, the giving of gifts, and social gatherings. During the celebration, Muslims exchange the greeting “Eid Mubarak” or “Blessed Eid.” Chicago Muslim charities will be distributing meat to needy families in and around the city.

WHEN: Friday, November 27th – (Congregational prayers are held in the morning. Festivities continue throughout the day).

WHERE: For a list of prayer locations in the Chicago area, scroll to the bottom of this email. (Eid prayers and festivals are held either in local mosques or in public facilities designed to accommodate large gatherings.)

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: Each year Muslims from America and many different countries come to prayer in colorful dress. The prayers themselves are quite visual, with worshipers arranged in neat rows and bowing in unison. Participants exchange embraces at the conclusion of the prayers.

NOTE: Because this is a religious service, reporters and photographers of both genders are advised to dress modestly. Photographers should arrive early to get into position for the best shots. Photographers are also advised not to step directly in front of worshipers and to seek permission for close-up shots.

CAIR-Chicago is a chapter of America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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CONTACT: Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director, CAIR-Chicago, 202-870-0166, E-Mail: arehab@cair.com; Amina Sharif, Communications Coordinator, CAIR-Chicago, 630-935-5562 or 312-212-1520, E-Mail: asharif@cair.com

Eid Prayer Locations: (Courtesy of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago)

Downtown Islamic Center 231 S. State St., Chicago, IL 60604

9:00am

Southside Eid Committee Homewood Hotel, 17400 Halsted St., Homewood, IL 9:30am

Mosque Foundation 7360 W. 93rd St., Bridgeview IL 60455

9:00am, 11:00am

Orland Park Prayer Center Holiday Inn Convention Center, 18501 S. Harlem Ave.,Tinley Park, IL 60477

9:00am

Islamic Center of Naperville - ICN Ogden Center 2844 W.Ogden Ave. Naperville, IL.60540 7:30am

Islamic Center of Naperville Ashyana Banquets 1620, 75th Street, Downers Grove, IL.60516 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am

Suburban Eid Committee Dupage Expo 4050 E. Main Street/North North Avenue, St. Charles, IL 60174 8:00am, 9:30 am

Suburban Eid Committee Meridian Banquets 1701 Algonquin Road, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 8:00am, 9:30am

Islamic Foundation 300 W. Highridge Ave., Villa Park, IL 60181 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am

Masjid Dawah Garfield Park at Homan Avenue and Lake Street, Chicago if weather permits Rain location: Masjid Dawah, 210 N. Homan 8:30am

MECCA Center

Ashton Place 341 West 75th Street Willowbrook, IL 60527

9:00am

Al-Azhar Islamic Foundation Radisson Hotel Schaumburg ballroom 1725 E. Algonquin Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173

10:00am