Muslims celebrate sacred day

Angela Mahdi, a Chicago native, made hajj in 1997. "This is my mother’s fourth hajj. But this is my sister’s first. . . . I’m so excited for her. You want to hear all those stories when they return." Here in Atlanta, Mahdi, 28, will be celebrating with friends and other family members. This morning Eid prayer begins between 8:30 and 9 at local mosques and at Lakewood Fairgrounds, followed by a children’s carnival, breakfast and lunch at the same location. "I’m going to Lakewood for prayer and the school [Mohammed Schools in East Atlanta] for the breakfast," said Mahdi. "That’s how the day begins. Always, I go to wherever the main Eid prayer is. I did that even when I was in law school in Chicago." The community-wide morning prayer should attract more than 7,000 Muslims, representing about 12 local communities across ethnic lines. "Generally it’s favorable to go to the biggest gathering," said Shakir Talib-Din, an administrator at Masjid Al-Hedaya in Marietta. "And this one is connected to the Majlis al-Shura [a citywide governing council]." Other prayer and event locations throughout Atlanta and surrounding counties will attract large numbers as well. Masjid As-Sunnah on Elam Road in Stone Mountain will feature games and pony rides starting at noon. Events throughout the three-day fete mostly will take place within individual enclaves of Muslims throughout the city, with Thursday reserved exclusively for community service projects. Check with local mosques for full details of volunteer efforts, skating and bowling parties, music concerts, luncheons and dinners. Some events are scheduled after Eid. Go online at www.mecga.org/schedule.htm and www.americannisa.com/localummah.htm