POLOKWANE – Muslims around the world are celebrating the festival of Eid al-Adha, held during the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
Eid al-Adha marks the culmination of the hajj (pilgrimage) rites and is celebrated by Muslims throughout the world.
As with Eid al-Fitr, it is distinguished by the performance of communal prayer at daybreak on its first day.
Eid al-Adha honors the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismaeel, as an act of obedience to God’s command. Before he sacrificed his son God intervened by sending his angel Jibra’il (Gabriel), who then put a ram in his son’s place.
In commemoration of this, an animal is sacrificed and divided into three parts: one third of the share is given to the poor and needy; another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbors; and the remaining third is retained by the family.
The regular charitable practices of the Muslim community are demonstrated during Eid al-Adha by concerted efforts to see that no impoverished person is left without an opportunity to partake in the sacrificial meal during these days.
If you have muslim friends, you can wish them a happy Eid by saying “Eid Mubarak” (eed-moo-ba-rak)
