(COLUMBIA, MISSOURI, 10/11/07) - On Saturday, October 13, the Muslim community in Central Missouri will celebrate the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan with communal prayers. (Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from break of dawn to sunset.)
  
The prayers mark the beginning of the Eid ul-Fitr (EED-al-FITTER), or "feast of fast breaking" holiday, in which Muslims exchange social visits and seek to strengthen bonds of brotherhood in the community.

During this holiday, Muslims greet each other by saying "Eid mubarak" (EED-moo-BAR-ak), meaning "blessed Eid," and "taqabbalallah ta'atakum," or "may God accept your deeds" and hold family activities following the prayers.
  
Eid ul-Fitr is the first of the two major Muslim holidays. The second holiday, Eid ul-Adha, comes at the end of the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca.

WHEN: Saturday, October 13, 2007. Prayers are held at 9:00 am.

WHERE: Rock Bridge High School (Gymnasium), 4303 S. Providence Road, Columbia, Missouri 65203.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: Each year, Muslims come to the prayers in colorful attire representative of different areas of the Islamic world. The prayers themselves are quite visual, with worshipers arranged in neat rows and bowing in prayer in unison. Participants exchange embraces at the conclusion of the prayers.

NOTE: Because this is a religious service, reporters and photographers of both sexes should dress modestly. Photographers should arrive early to get into position for the best shots. Photographers are also advised not to step directly in front of worshipers and to seek permission for close-up shots. Shots of shoes removed for prayer, and rear-angle shots of prostrating worshipers are considered inappropriate.

Islamic Center of Central Missouri (ICCM) is a non-proft, charitable, educational, and religious organization. ICCM is located at the corner of 5th and Locust Street in downtown Columbia. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, facilitate Muslims living in Central Missouri to carry out activities in pursuance of Islam, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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CONTACT: ICCM Office, 573-875-4633, E-Mail: contact@theiccm.org