Muslims Celebrate Eid In Essex County; Celebrants Include Gov. Murphy

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Essex County echoed with wishes of “Eid Mubarak” on Friday as Ramadan fasting came to an end for 2023.

The monthlong observance of Ramadan, one of Islam’s most important holidays, is based on lunar cycles, so the exact dates change every year. Read More: When Is Ramadan 2023 (5 Things To Know About Islam Holy Month)

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset every day. The fasting comes to an end with Eid al-Fitr, or Festival of the Breaking of the Fast. During this time, Muslims take part in special prayers, greet one another with formal embraces and greetings such as “Eid Mubarak,” or “have a blessed Eid.” The occasion is also celebrated by exchanging gifts with family and friends over special meals featuring traditional dishes.

Eid al-Fitr arrived on Friday this year, with New Jersey Muslim leaders announcing the news earlier this week.

New Jersey has the highest percentage of Muslim residents in the United States, with many of them living in the state’s largest city, Newark.

• See Related: NJ Bill That Would Create 'Muslim Heritage Month' Leaps Forward

The city got a visit from Gov. Phil Murphy on Friday, who made a trip to Essex County Branch Brook Park to mark the occasion.

“Happy Eid al-Fitr, from my family to yours,” the governor tweeted.

Meanwhile, Newark police detectives from the community affairs/clergy unit took part in an Eid Al-Fitr gathering at the park (see above photo). The event was sponsored by Masjid Nia of Newark.

Other Newark elected officials wished the city a happy Eid al-Fitr, including board of education member A’Dorian Murray-Thomas.

The celebration also took place at Rutgers-Newark, administrators reported.

Newark wasn't the only place in Essex County that echoed with calls of “Eid Mubarak.”

East Orange Mayor Ted Green had this to say on Friday:

"As the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end, I’d like to extend Eid Mubarak to my Muslim brothers and sisters celebrating #EidAlFitr2023, right here in the City of East Orange and all around the globe. May our prayers and all our good deeds be accepted by Allah and may we be granted perfect guidance today and always."

The ShopRite of East Orange also gave a social media shout-out for the "celebration of love and gratitude."

Several elected officials in Congress, the State House and other government bodies who represent Essex County offered their own best wishes for the holiday. They included U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, state senators Richard Codey and Teresa Ruiz, and Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill.

A chorus of Essex County nonprofits, groups and organizations also gave a cheer on Friday's Eid.

This article contains reporting by Beth Dalbey, Patch staff

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