A landmark gathering: Eid al-Adha at the CNE in 1976

On December 2, 1976, about 5,000 Muslims from Metro and the suburbs gathered in the Coliseum at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) to offer Eid al-Adha prayers. 

This significant gathering underscored the burgeoning Muslim presence in Canada, a community that numbered 33,430 in the 1971 census. 

The Eid prayers were organized by the city's two leading mosques, the Jami Mosque and the Islamic Foundation of Toronto. These two mosques would continue to hold joint Eid prayers at the CNE grounds and other large venues from 1975 until the late 1980s, fostering strong relations between them.

The Toronto Star noted that Dr. Gamal Badawi of Dalhousie University, Halifax, led the prayers.  Dr. Badawi’s sermon would have emphasized the core values of Eid al-Adha—submission, sacrifice, and compassion—providing comfort and a vital sense of spiritual connection for attendees in their new home.

By the mid-1970s, Canada's Muslim population had become increasingly diverse, with immigrants arriving from the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.

As a major city, Toronto became a vital centre for many newcomers. Since local mosques were still developing at the time, the vast CNE grounds offered the space to accommodate the growing number of worshippers for Eid prayers.

The decision to use the CNE demonstrated the Toronto Muslim community's increasing confidence and desire to openly celebrate their faith.

The event united Muslims from various backgrounds, creating a rich tapestry of cultures bound by shared faith.

Beyond the prayers, the CNE gathering fostered crucial community bonds. It offered an invaluable opportunity for immigrants and long-time residents to connect, share experiences, and strengthen their collective identity. 

This communal aspect was essential for building solidarity within the rapidly expanding Muslim population. 

It showcased their growing numbers, the organizational capacity of the two leading mosques, and their commitment to celebrating their faith visibly within Canada's multicultural landscape. 

This landmark event helped pave the way for future large-scale Muslim gatherings, solidifying Islam's recognition as an integral part of Canadian society.