More than just Eid-al-Adha
The Springs Muslim community celebrated Eid ul Adha at an open field next to the Springs Muslim School, Bakerton, on Monday.
The holy day remembers Prophet Abraham’s sacrifices to Allah and coincides with the annual pilgrimage to Mecca that saw 1.8 million Muslims perform Hajj this year.
According to the Springs Muslim Community project coordinator Mohamed Sarfaraaz Khan, the religious celebration sees Muslims sacrifice livestock of which the meat is shared with family, friends and underprivileged people.
“We initiate professional slaughter facilities and employ skilled skinners annually to assist with the slaughtering process.
This operation is overseen by SPCA officials.”
The initiative is a fund-raising project for the Springs Muslim School.
Residents of the neighbouring Everest Informal Settlement and Slovo Park eagerly lined up from as early as daybreak to receive meat parcels on Eid day.
They slaughtered almost 300 sheep at the facility, which hosted many guests.
“We managed to pack over 400 parcels for the needy and handing it out is always the best part of the day,” says Mohamed.
Ward Clr Ramesh Shoedin says many of the people who received parcels are destitute individuals who look forward to the distribution.
“We appreciate the efforts made by the Muslim community in providing for our neighbours,” he says.
Springs Muslim School Board of Governors chairman Abdus Samad Khan says they take pride in providing excellent facilities and A-grade animals every year.
“We would like to thank everyone involved as they assisted our neighbouring residents and contributed to the education of the learners at Springs Muslim School,” he says.
