Happy Eid-ul-Adha

Eid-ul-Adha Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated in Thul Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. This is known as a sacred month within the community, as it marks the month of Hajj or Pilgrimage, an important act of worship for Muslims where up to 3 million people travel to Mecca and perform the pilgrimage together.

Muslims in Canada will join Muslims throughout the world in celebrating the festival of Eid-ulAdha (the festival of sacrifice, often called simply “Eid”). This major festival celebrates the supreme example of sacrifice and submission to God shown by Prophet Abraham.

The festival of Eid-ul-Adha commemorates the time, 4,000 years ago, when the Prophet Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son, at the command of God. This is held by Muslims as a supreme act of obedience, devotion and submission to the will of God.

Eid-ul-Adha also coincides with the completion of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage of Muslims to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Muslims are required to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime, if they can afford it and if they can physically endure it.

This is both a community and a family celebration. On Eid day Muslims, in the morning, go to Mosques/Islamic Centres (or other larger places) to offer prayers. Also traditional meals are prepared, family gatherings take place and they visit each other.

Those who can afford, it, make arrangements for an animal such as a lamb to be sacrificed and the meat distributed to the needy, relatives and friends. The distribution of meat to the needy is a special charity of this festival.

We join you in wishing staff, students and members of the Islamic community, a very happy holiday.