Strangely enough tonight is my first time to hear the prayers from the mosque nearby. I usually don’t hear or notice it. So either I’ve just gotten used to the sound and tune it out or they are in full force tonight for the Eid aI-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) which starts today, though the official non-working holiday is tomorrow.
At the end of the Hajj (annual pilgrimage to Mecca), Muslims throughout the world celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). In 2010, Eid al-Adha will begin on November 16th, and will last for three days.Eid al-Adha (Arabic: عيد الأضحى ‘Īdu l-’Aḍḥā) or “Festival of Sacrifice” or “Greater Eid” is an important religious holiday celebrated byMuslims worldwide to commemorate the willingness of Abraham (Ibrahim) to sacrifice his son Ishmael (Isma’il) as an act of obedience to God, before God intervened to provide him with a ram to sacrifice instead. It is celebrated during the end of the Hajj or annual pilgrimage to Mecca, and is observed by Muslims whether one is on pilgrimage or not.
In commemoration of Abraham’s faith, sheep, goats and camels are offered to God, and the meat is divided into three parts to be distributed to others. The family retains one-third of the share, another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbors, and the other third is given to the poor & needy.
Sources: when-is.com, wikipedia, islam.about.com
Since yesterday we’ve been seeing goats and cows in trucks being delivered or in pens awaiting their sacrifice. Aawwww…. I know it’s strange for me to say that I feel bad for the poor animals because in reality I eat beef, chicken, etc. everyday… but it’s because we never see the process the animals go through before they get to our table and that’s why my mind is able to distance itself from the gruesome facts.
Tomorrow many animals will be sacrificed, but also many poor people will receive the blessings of food. Such is the circle of life… (sounds cliché I know!) so HAPPY EID-AL-ADHA OR EID MUBARAK to all my muslim friends out there! Enjoy good food and the good company of family and friends!
(Image: Pakgair’s Blog)
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