Millions of Muslims around the world are preparing to celebrate Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Feast of Sacrifice,” this weekend. The four-day festival, beginning on Sunday, June 16, is one of Islam’s most significant celebrations. It follows the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, known as Hajj, which all Muslims are expected to undertake at least once in their lifetime if they are financially and physically able.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese @AlboMP and leader of opposition @PeterDutton_MP send their best wishes to fellow Australians of Islamic faith who are celebrating Eid al-Adha. #EidMubarak pic.twitter.com/pTRgVMi0lQ
— The Australia Today (@TheAusToday) June 16, 2024
Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to God, before God provided him with a ram to sacrifice instead. During the festival, Muslims perform Qurbani, the act of sacrificing a sheep, goat, cow, or camel. The meat from the sacrifice is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for friends and relatives, and one for the poor and needy. This practice highlights the spirit of charity and reminds Muslims of their duty to help those in less fortunate circumstances.
Unlike Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan and involves fasting, Eid al-Adha centers on the theme of sacrifice. The festival starts with morning prayers at mosques followed by the sacrifices. In countries like Australia and other Western nations, where it might not be feasible to perform the sacrifice personally, many Muslims contribute financially to charities that arrange the Qurban on their behalf in various places, including Gaza and other Palestinian territories.
Eid al-Adha in Palestine last year. Most of the people in the video are not with us today
🎥Mohammed Zaanoun pic.twitter.com/cKyT5MMoVV— Gaza Notifications (@gazanotice) June 16, 2024
The significance of both Eids as major religious festivals was echoed by Alaa Elzokm OAM, an Imam at the Elsedeaq Heidelberg Mosque in Melbourne, who emphasized their importance in celebrating the blessings and acts of worship in the Muslim community.
This year’s celebrations come amidst various global challenges. In Afghanistan, following the economic collapse after the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, many families face severe hardships. In response, Afghan Australians are actively donating to help relatives back home afford necessities for Eid, such as clothing and food. Additionally, the Afghan community is extending support to those affected by recent devastating floods in the region, which have resulted in significant loss of life and destruction.
On today’s occasion of Eid al-Adha, @AusEmbET extends its heartfelt wishes to all #Muslims in #Ethiopia, #Australia and all over the world.
Happy Eid al-Adha! pic.twitter.com/Dg4c1RON4l
— Australian Embassy, Ethiopia (@AusEmbET) June 16, 2024
Moreover, changes in Saudi Arabia’s Hajj policy now allow a greater number of Muslims from countries including Australia to participate, with online visa applications that have led to increased costs for travel packages.
As Muslims gather for Eid al-Adha, the common greeting “Eid Mubarak” resonates, offering wishes for a blessed festival. The phrase, which varies in different languages and cultures, encapsulates the universal spirit of peace and goodwill that Eid aims to foster among communities worldwide.
Major Points
- Eid al-Adha, the “Feast of Sacrifice,” is a major Muslim festival starting on June 16, celebrating the spirit of sacrifice as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.
- The festival involves a sacrificial ritual where Muslims divide the meat into three parts for family, friends, and the needy, emphasizing charity.
- In Western countries like Australia, Muslims often contribute to charities that manage the sacrificial rites overseas.
- Current global challenges, such as the economic crisis in Afghanistan, have prompted diaspora communities to increase their charitable contributions during the festival.
- Recent changes in Saudi Arabia’s Hajj policy have removed caps on pilgrim numbers, allowing more Muslims to participate, albeit at higher costs.
Charles William III – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
