Feature: Egyptians celebrate post-Ramadan feast, wishing for more security, stability

A couple of hours after dawn time on Friday, millions of Egyptian Muslims headed to mosques nationwide to perform the prayer of the Fast-breaking Feast, or Eid al-Fitr.

It marks the first day of the joyful festival following the holy month of Ramadan, wishing this year for more security and stability after more than four years of political turmoil.

At historic Al-Mo'iz Street in the heart of ancient Cairo, throngs of Egyptians of all ages performed the Eid prayer and listened to the following sermon at Al-Hakim Mosque, which was built during the Fatimid caliphate rule of Egypt about 1,000 years ago.

Although the country has been going through chaos and violence over the past few years, a lot of worshippers expressed hope as well as optimism that the country will soon head towards more security and stability.

"I am optimistic and we can feel improvement in terms of security regardless of some blasts and clashes," Ahmed, 35, told Xinhua at the mosque's vast yard after finishing the prayer, noting that the people comparatively started to work harder and produce more after there was complete recession in the country.

For Hany, a 29-year-old carpenter, the happiness associated with the three-day Eid makes people forget all the sad news, especially when the Eid comes after the Ramadan month of blessings.

Following the prayers at the historic mosque, people listened to a sermon delivered by the imam who urged them to unite, cooperate and love one another, as the basic teachings of Islam.

"The Eid represents unity among all Muslims; it unites the Muslims in such big gatherings after the holy Ramadan month, as Islam teaches us during the Eid to cooperate together, visit our relatives, obey our parents, be kind to the orphan and give charity to the poor. So, it makes all people happy," Sheikh Mostafa al-Sayyid, Imam of Al-Hakim Mosque, told Xinhua after the sermon.

"I hope and believe the Eid this year will be a very happy one and what is coming will be good for all Egyptians," the imam added.

After performing prayers, the fun part starts. Parents take their children and go out for entertainment at places like Al-Azhar Park in Cairo and the Zoo in Giza parks to spend a quality time on the special feast.

"It is a happy Eid. After prayers, I took my wife and children to go out and enjoy the greenery of Al-Azhar Park and then we're planning to visit the International Park on this unique day," said Ahmed Raslan, a 40-year-old employee who was accompanied by his wife and their two kids.

"I am optimistic this year and I hope the imminent inauguration of the Suez Canal in August will bring prosperity to the country," the man added, referring to the national project of expanding the Suez Canal, which is expected to bring massive foreign investments to Egypt.

The spacious and colorful Al-Azhar Park was full of teens and children in the first place, some with their parents and other with peers, as well as sellers of colored balloons, ice-cream and toys, with people moving around and smiles on all faces.

"I love to come to Al-Azhar Park in the Eid because I have fun with my friends here, play football together and run around the vast gardens, especially that we are in the summer holiday now," said Omar, 11, adding he is very good at school and he got high marks in almost all subjects.

A walk by the River Nile or taking a river cruise tour can also be a special time during the Eid in Egypt, particularly in the capital Cairo, as the Nile banks become busier and more attractive during special feasts in the most populous Arab country.

Mahmoud, 32, who came back home from Saudi Arabia for a short vacation, was enjoying an early morning walk by the river with his fiancee on the first day of the Eid.

"I hope Egypt will be the best and most prosperous country and that one day I settle here and don't have to work abroad," the man who wore a traditional white garment told Xinhua. Endit