Leaders at the Islamic Center of Fullerton, a growing congregation in Orange County, feared they would go a second year without gathering in person for Eid-al-Fitr prayers that mark the end of Ramadan.

Normally, they’d host Eid prayers at a gym in a nearby park, but the pandemic posed challenges for the mosque, which operates out of a small office space, to offer accommodations for the estimated 500 or so expected to show up Thursday (May 13) for the celebration.

The leaders sought city and private spaces to no avail…To local Islamic leaders, this marks a historic Eid, as they’ll be able to pray with each other amid a pandemic and “in the vicinity of our Christian brothers and sisters,” said Imam Qaisar Waheed Shabir. For Catholic clergy, this partnership is “in the spirit of interfaith cooperation,” Kriz said.

Shabir said it’s “an honor and a privilege” to host prayers at a Christian church, especially at a time when “Muslims have been very badly maligned.”

Source: Religion News Service (RNS)