1.9 Billion Muslims Worldwide Celebrate Eid al-Adha

10,000 Muslims gathered in Winnipeg, Manitoba to celebrate Eid al-Adha over the weekend.

1.9 billion Muslims around the world spent this past weekend celebrating Eid al-Adha – one of the holiest events of the year with charity, prayers, and meals with their loved ones. Eid al-Adha marks the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj), one of Islam’s Five Pillars.

A family poses after Eid prayers at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Photo: Mohamad Mekkawy)

With two annual Eid celebrations, Eid al-Adha is the ‘Eid of sacrifice’, often referred to as ‘Big Eid’ as it is the second Eid of the year. The celebration reflects the Prophet Ibrahim’s trial where he was asked to sacrifice his son, Ismail to prove his belief in God – a story of sacrifice, devotion, and willingness where God sent a ram to be sacrificed instead of Ismail. Muslims sacrifice an animal to mark the lesson on how faith and belief are solely about diminishing one’s ego and submitting to the will of God. The meat which is sacrificed is distributed equally in three parts amongst the poor, neighbours and friends, and family. There are etiquettes to the sacrifice of the animal, which include sacrificing the animal in the most comfortable way to avoid unnecessary suffering.

In Winnipeg, Manitoba, around 10,000 Muslims came together to celebrate Eid on July 9th, starting their day with Eid al-Adha prayers at the RBC Convention Centre. With the growing community, three Eid prayers were held in the city for the first time to accommodate everyone. The Manitoba Islamic Association will host an Eid Carnival at the Winnipeg Grand Mosque with food, activities for kids, rides, and fireworks to end the night.

(Photo: Mohamad Mekkawy)

Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau issued a statement on Eid al-Adha: “The holiday is also an important time to reflect on the values of compassion, charity, and community service – values we hold dear as Canadians. Muslims across Canada have always embodied these values. From coast to coast to coast, they help the most vulnerable, volunteer with local organizations in our communities, and care for neighbours and newcomers. Today, we also take the time to recognize the invaluable contributions Canadian Muslims have made, and continue to make, to our country. Today and every day, we recommit ourselves to building a better Canada where everyone can feel welcome, safe, and respected. There is no place for discrimination in any form in our country. That is why the Government of Canada will continue to fight Islamophobia, including by appointing the country’s first Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia. On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish all those celebrating a blissful Eid al-Adha. Eid Mubarak!”