JEDDAH: Citizens and expatriates all over the Kingdom celebrated Eid Al-Adha yesterday. They marked the day with prayers at various mosques and open grounds.
Eid Al-Adha (the Festival of Sacrifice) is celebrated throughout the Muslim world as a commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim's (peace be upon him) willingness to sacrifice his son for God. It is celebrated on the 10th of Dul Hijjah.
“Eid marks the beginning of festivities and rituals that continue for the next three days. Muslims slaughter animals for the sake of Allah and observe other rituals following in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him),” Ahmed Ali, a prayer leader at a Jeddah mosque said.
On the first day of Eid yesterday, young and old, dressed in their new or best clothes, offered prayers at their local mosques in the morning. This was followed by exchange of visits between families and friends and distribution of sacrificial meat. They also exchanged greetings and gifts as per the tradition.
“It’s a day of complete celebration. People enjoy the company of friends and relatives,” said Abdul Rahman Hafiz, a Saudi businessman. “But it’s also a day of sharing. You share your happiness with those who are less fortunate. Those who can't afford to sacrifice animals are given meat. It's our way of getting closer to the Creator and asking forgiveness for our sins.”
“The two Muslim festivals — Eid Al-Adha and Eid Al-Fitr — give Muslims the determination to continue in obedience and submission to Almighty Allah,” said Syed Abdul Zahrani, a senior Islamic scholar.
The meat from the sacrifice of Eid Al-Adha is mostly given away to others. Family members eat one-third of the meat; one-third is given away to friends; and the remaining one-third is donated to the poor. “The act symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah’s commands. It also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others,” said Zahrani.
Being a public holiday, many families ventured out in the evening. They were mostly seen at the Corniche with children taking various rides along the beach, which has a number of recreation centers. Parts of the beach and major promenades were dotted with tents.
Hotels and eateries said they had made elaborate arrangements for the festive occasion. “We had a number of guests for this special occasion,” said a management executive at Jeddah's Crowne Plaza Hotel.
