Minnesotans mark end of Ramadan
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Thousands of Minnesotans started the day with special prayers for the Muslim holiday Eid al-Fitr.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.
Among those celebrating one of the biggest Muslim holidays of the year was Jesse Hihi, who took time for prayers and a community breakfast this morning in Brooklyn Center.
Hihi also planned plans to spend the day with his uncle, daughter, and other relatives.
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"I don't have huge family here, but we're going to take the kids to the Mall of America, take rides and let them celebrate," said Hihi, who is originally from Jordan. "It's three days, but we can't do it three days here. It's not the same as back home. We do it only for one day." Muslims are saying special prayers, feasting with family and friends, and wearing new clothes. All are considered rituals of the holiday.
Sulmaan Khan of Richfield and his wife also were among 1,000 Muslims who worshipped in Brooklyn Center at prayers organized by the Islamic Center of Minnesota. At his wife's urging, Khan is wearing a shimmery gold tunic, the first time he has dressed up for Eid al-Fitr.
"It was one of her requests -- for me to wear something kind of ornate and Indian," Khan said. "So I did it for her."
That's only fair, said his, Michelle Masood.
"The girls always wear traditional clothing, and some of the guys do," she said. "I really wanted him to do it also, since I have to do it. So I'm happy that he did."