Since large gatherings of over 10 people are prohibited in Massachusetts, the ISBCC, one of the biggest cultural centers in the area, is forced to cancel Eid prayer.
In previous years, many from the Muslim community would come to the ISBCC, perform prayers throughout the day, and create a spiritual and emotional bonding experience as is Ramadan tradition.
While in previous years, the ISBCC would celebrate with the morning Eid prayer, followed by various family celebrations, “We don’t have that luxury this year,” said ElFass.
While Zeabi’s family would usually start off their first day of Eid by performing Eid prayer with their community at their local masjid and then go out for breakfast with family, they have had to significantly adjust their plans.
As the Eid holiday is a family- and friends-oriented holiday, accentuating the importance of sharing love and empathy throughout a community, many Muslims in the Greater Boston area are finding it difficult to celebrate this year.
