Historic Eid al-Fitr Prayer at Hallenstadion Zurich for Muslims

Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is a period of fasting, spiritual reflection and self-discipline. It is during this month that the angel Gabriel revealed the first verses of the Qu’ran to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on a night known as “Lailat al-Qadr” (Eng. the Night of Power). While the exact date of this sacred night remains uncertain, many believe it falls on one of the last ten odd-numbered nights of Ramadan, with many observing it on the 27th night. Since the Islamic calendar follows a lunar cycle, Ramadan shifts by approximately eleven days each year in the Gregorian calendar, lasting either 29 or 30 days.

Eid al-Fitr, which translates to “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” marks the conclusion of Ramadan. It is a joyous occasion filled with communal prayers, feasting and the exchange of gifts as families and friends come together in celebration. Fasting (Ar. sawm) is one of the five pillars of Islam, alongside faith (Ar. shahada), prayer (Ar. salat), almsgiving (Ar. zakat) and pilgrimage to Mecca (Ar. hajj).

Ramadan in Switzerland
In Switzerland, Ramadan presents both challenges and rewards. Unlike in predominantly Muslim countries where daily life adapts to the holy month, Switzerland continues its regular routine. While this provides a sense of stability, it also requires Muslims to adjust, balancing fasting with work, education and social commitments. The atmosphere of Ramadan is special – waking up early for suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and gathering with family for iftar (breaking the fast) in the evening. This month serves as a time for renewal, deep reflection and self-improvement, providing an opportunity to assess habits, relationships and spiritual connection with God, striving to emerge from the month as a better person.

Iman Zentrum Volketswil: A Center of Worship and Unity
Founded in 2012 in the industrial area Volketswil, Iman Zentrum is the largest mosque in Zurich, easily accessible by car and public transportation. During Ramadan, Isha or Khoftan (night prayers) and Taraweeh (special night prayer during Ramadan) were structured and efficiently organized. Even before reaching the mosque, volunteers in bright yellow vests with flashlights and signs guided worshippers to available parking, as the main mosque parking often filled up quickly. On some nights, when the mosque reached full capacity, additional worshippers were kindly informed before arriving, thanks to well-coordinated communication among volunteers.

Upon arrival, men and women were directed to separate prayer areas – men on the ground floor and women on the upper floor. Volunteers ensured everyone found a place, organizing the space efficiently to accommodate latecomers. Their dedication and willingness to sacrifice their own opportunity to pray in order to assist others was truly inspiring.

After prayers, male and female worshippers exited separately, but outside the mosque, the community spirit flourished. People handed out dates and water, engaged in conversations and took photos, capturing the beauty of the moment. The diversity of traditional Islamic clothing and people of different nationalities speaking different languages emphasized the unity within the Muslim community, serving as a reminder that Islam transcends societal borders.

Historic Eid Prayer at Hallenstadion: A Milestone for Zurich’s Muslim Community
For the first time, Iman Zentrum Volketswil organized Eid prayer on March 30, 2025, at Hallenstadion Zurich. Worshippers had the option to register for one of three time slots ­– 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM and 12:00 PM – allowing flexibility for attendees. Clear guidelines were provided ahead of the event, advising worshippers to bring a plastic bag for their shoes, a small bag for personal belongings and a prayer mat. Inside the venue, food and drinks were available for purchase, and multiple stations were set up for the collection of zakat.

Arriving for the 9:00 AM prayer, Muslims were visible all over the area, making their way to Hallenstadion. Doors opened at 8:30 AM, allowing worshippers to enter. Volunteers from Iman Zentrum and Swiss employees of Hallenstadion welcomed attendees with warmth and hospitality, reflecting a beautiful example of coexistence where East meets West in an atmosphere of unity and mutual respect.

Upon entering, the usual standing areas for concerts had been carefully arranged with rows of carpet strips, guiding worshippers on where to stand and in which direction to pray. Volunteers in yellow vests assisted in seating arrangements, with men positioned in the front and women at the back. Slowly but surely, the vast Hallenstadion filled up, transforming into a grand prayer hall. The prayer service commenced with the call to prayer by Imam Kaser Alasaad, followed by other Muslim scholars leading the congregation in prayer.

Eid prayer at Hallenstadion was mesmerizing and deeply moving. To witness thousands of Muslims gathered in prayer was a beautiful and humbling experience. Children played and laughed, while elders sat on provided chairs. The inclusivity of the gathering was noteworthy ­– even though women on their menstrual cycles are not required to pray, they were encouraged to attend, stand aside and witness this historic event firsthand.

This event marks a milestone for the Muslim community in Zurich. The ability to gather in such a large and prominent venue highlights the growing recognition of communities with diverse faiths in Switzerland. Beyond providing a space for worship, it also emphasized the importance of inclusivity and representation in society. The sight of thousands of Muslims united in prayer in a venue usually reserved for concerts and entertainment was a powerful testament to unity and faith.

While Ramadan has come to an end with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, the lessons of this holy month – compassion, discipline and gratitude – should be carried forward. This historic gathering at Hallenstadion will be remembered as a moment of unity for Muslims in Switzerland. It was not only a celebration of Eid but also a reflection of Zurich’s inclusivity, cultural openness and mutual respect.