Photos by Yaseen Najeeb

On March 20 the Islamic Society of Milwaukee (ISM) hosted the Eid al-Fitr prayer service at the Wisconsin Baird Center at 400 E. Wisconsin Ave., drawing thousands for what has become one of the largest annual religious gatherings. 

This year’s community prayer marking the end of the holy month took place on the main floor of the convention center, a shift from previous years when services were held upstairs. Despite the large venue, the carpeted space proved to be too small for an expanding Muslim community.

Before the prayer service, the Islamic Society of Milwaukee held a press conference to acknowledge the suffering that many were feeling regarding the massacres taking place in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Iran by a President that claimed he would be the “Peace President.” The speakers from ISM encouraged Muslims to remain strong in their faith in spite of the rampant anti-Muslim and anti-Arab sentiment being promoted by the current administration and the atrocities being perpetrated against Muslim civilians around the world. They also heartened everyone to see their diversity, potential, and to look for justice and moral clarity from their government.

Both khutbahs (sermons) and the first prayer were delivered by Imam Shaheer Syed, but the second additional prayer to accommodate the overflow, was delivered by Imam Ziad Hamdan.

Earlier in the morning, masajid (mosques) around the state including nine in Milwaukee, held morning Eid prayers to overflowing crowds. Many held more than one service to accommodate everyone.

Photographs captured the scale and spirit of the gathering with families in colorful attire, children celebrating alongside elders, and a cross-section of cultures united in prayer. The images highlight not only the religious significance of Eid al-Fitr, but the diversity of Milwaukee’s Muslim community as it continues to grow.