Late Wednesday morning, middle-aged women circled the perimeter the prayer hall, attempting to hush groups of chatty ladies — often resulting in a greater racket than the noise they were trying to silence.

They carried signs reading “Silence Please” as they ushered the large crowd of females to the prayer hall. On Wednesday, thousands of local Muslims attended the Eid Al-Fitr prayer at the Muslim Association of Puget Sound (MAPS) in Redmond. The Islamic holiday celebrates the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims observe this month of fasting in order to be rewarded forgiveness from any previous bad deeds and to engage in full submission to Allah.

As the time for the second prayer of the day drew closer, more than 500 people entered the mosque, all present to participate in worship for the holiday. Excitement throughout the crowd as well as smiles grew as the moment to say, “Eid Mubarak” (Happy Eid) approached.

Once the prayer was complete, the crowd was asked to remain seated for an Islamic sermon, called a khutbah, given by Imam Sheikh Joban, MAPS’ official religion leader.

Following Joban’s MAPS President Mahmood Khadeer delivered a speech, speaking passionately about the effects Ramadan has had on everyone in attendance.

“We have forgiven each other, we have supported each other and we have spent long hours in the masjid getting closer Allah (SWT),” Khadeer said.

Masjid is another word for mosque.

After Khadeer ended his speech, he introduced Gov. Jay Inslee, who also addressed the crowd. In his introduction, Khadeer discussed some of the governor’s accomplishments during his three and a half years in office.

The crowd cheered as Inslee took the stage.

“I see these signs being held up that say ‘Silence Please,'” he began. “I respect silence. I think there’s a time and place for silence. I think there’s a time for meditation. I think there’s a time for fasting but today is not the time for silence in Washington.”

The masses responded emphatically to Inslee’s address.

He concluded by conveying his support for the Muslim communities all throughout Washington.

“You bet I’ll stand with you,” Inslee proclaimed as he expressed solidarity with the Muslim population.

As the program came to an end, the middle-aged women took Inslee’s words to heart and put down their signs for silence to approach friends and family and wish them Eid Mubarak.