Again, this is the time of celebration for the Muslims the world over. This weekend, Muslims living in all parts of the world are celebrating Eid ul Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice The Muslim community of the Peel, Toronto and Halton regions is all set to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha this weekend along with rest of Canada and other countries around the world.
According to the Fiqh Council of North America and Hilal Committee of Metropolitan Toronto and Vicinity, Eid-ul-Adha will be marked on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
The three-day festival, also known as Feast of the Sacrifice, begins annually on the 10th of Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, a day after the day of Arafah, when millions of Muslims perform pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
The Hajj authorities in the Saudi Arabia have announced the day of Arafah will be Friday, Oct. 3.
An estimated 2.5 million people, including more than 2,000 from the GTA, perform Hajj every year.
Hajj, which means ‘journey’, is one of the five pillars of Islam and mandatory duty of every single Muslim (whoever can afford) to embark on this incredible voyage and perform the pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime.
Hajj is also demonstrated as solidarity of Muslims and their submission to God (Allah). It’s a day of great jubilation and time of huge accomplishment for all pilgrims.
Hajj pilgrimage is combined with festivities of Eid-ul-Adha to commemorate the acts of Ibraham (Prophet Ibrahim) when he sacrificed his son Ishmael in obedience to God.
On Eid-ul-Adha, Muslims sacrifice halal four-legged animals (depending on their affordability) like sheep, goat, cow or camel and then divide the meat into three equal portions. They can keep the first portion for themselves, but the second must be distributed among relatives, neighbours and friends while the third has to be allocated for poor in the community.
The sacrifice or ‘qurbani’ should be performed after Eid salah (prayers). All mosques and Islamic centres have made special arrangements for Eid prayers.
For more information, contact the nearest masjid or Islamic centre.
Originally published on www.bramptonguardian.com