Prayers, Presents, Protection Herald the End of Ramadan

More than 14,000 area Muslims turned out Sunday morning at the Orange County Fairgrounds to mark the end of Ramadan with a day of prayer, feasting and reflection.

Although security was increased in reaction to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the joyful worshipers seemed unfazed and were focused on the prayer service.

The holy day Eid al-Fitr comes after the monthlong Ramadan, during which Muslims fast each day from dawn to dusk to help learn discipline, self-restraint and generosity.

“It’s a very joyful day,” said Tahira Shah, 36, of Garden Grove. “This is the biggest gathering. We have new clothes on. Our kids have new clothes on. We go to each others’ homes for lunches and dinners and feasting.”

Faiz Rehman, 38, of Orange, a spokesman for the American Muslim Council, said that although Sunday was a time to celebrate, it was also an opportunity to remember the attacks and the war in Afghanistan. This year, Eid prayers held even more meaning for Muslims, he said.

“It’s more important, more significant,” Rehman said. “We came to pray for the victims and to pray for the country.”

Sunday began with an early group prayer. The worshipers, divided by gender--men in one area, women in another--knelt shoulder to shoulder as a symbol of unity. Similar prayers were scheduled at mosques and other sites throughout the Southland.

There are about 7 million Muslims in the United States and 1.2 billion worldwide, Rehman said.

Once the prayers were over, those attending hugged and greeted each other three times with “Eid Mubarak,” which means “Eid blessings.”

Friends mingled. Children played tag. And women showed off their henna tattoos and new shalwar kamez--embroidered and detailed flowing shirts and pants.

“We come for a fashion parade here,” joked Annie Chaudhry, 26, of Irvine.

Later, many held open houses to welcome friends. They planned to munch on traditional sweets and desserts, including shikorma and savaiyyan. Both milk-based desserts have sweet vermicelli flavored with sugar, raisins and spices.

Many children were anxious to return home, where they would receive presents.

Some opened their gifts the night before Eid and were expecting more presents and money Sunday.

Raza Rehman, 8, of Orange received a Nintendo game from his parents.

His 5-year-old sister, Fareeha, said she got HitClips, a tiny boombox that plays digital music clips from Britney Spears and other artists.

“Eid is very fun because I like to pray and I like to see all my friends,” said Henna Chaudhry, 7, of Fullerton. “You get lots of presents. My mom got me a tea cart and fake food and they give us money. I buy lots of stuff with it.”

Despite Sunday’s festivities, many people said they were concerned about their personal safety, particularly after last weeks’ release of the Osma bin Laden videotape and the recent bomb threat at the King Fahd Mosque in Culver City.

Several security guards and police officers were present Sunday and several signs warned: “Security Notice. All bags and packages subject to search.”

“We talked briefly about not coming,” said Tanveer Hussain, 32, of Irvine. “But you have to do what you have to do and we thought it was important enough to come.”