By Mahnaz Abdi
BEIJING- Most of Muslims around the world celebrated Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, on April 10.
Muslims all over the world mark the end of the fasting period through a celebratory feast named Eid al-Fitr.
For Muslims, it not only signals the breaking of the fast, but also signifies the attainment of religious virtue, characterized by sacrifice, self-discipline and acts of charity.
In the morning of Eid, Muslims gather together to perform Eid prayer, and then celebrate this auspicious day.
In China, Muslims also do this in the morning of Eid.
The historical mosque of Nanxiapo was one of the places in Beijing which hosted Eid al-Fitr prayer and celebration.
On the morning of Eid (April 10), Chinese Muslims and also Muslims from many other countries gathered in this magnificent place to celebrate the end of holy month of Ramadan.
Thanks to the admirable hospitality of the Chinese Muslims, who had prepared a lot of fruits, sweets and foods, as well as a very warm and friendly environment in the mosques, all Muslims participating in the ceremony enjoyed a lot accompanying their Muslim brothers and sisters.
Nanxiapo Mosque is located outside Chaoyangmen Gate closed to Yabao Road market in Beijing with a history of over 300 years.
The building was built by the Hui people during the Guangxu Period of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
The layout of Nanxiapo Mosque is east-west arrangement with the prayer hall located in the center. Covering 132 square meters, the prayer hall is typical of traditional Chinese architecture from outside but Arabic inside.
The south and the north side halls with side rooms occupy a total area of 68 square meters.
The building is structured in simplicity and elegance. The main hall, well carpeted and equipped with heating facilities, can hold 800 people for prayer.
The place has served as a place of prayer for the local Muslim people.
Nanxiapo Mosque hosted Muslims every day during Ramadan.
Some Muslim ladies, as volunteers, cooked delicious foods at their home or in the highly hygienic kitchen of the mosque during this holy month and together with the volunteer Muslim men, they served the foods during Iftar (breaking the fasting) time.
Every day in Ramadan, Muslims, who were Chinese or from other countries, gathered together in this place for Iftar, prayer, and accompanying in a very friendly and hospitable environment.
Photo by Mahnaz Abdi
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