With mass public gatherings still limited as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Muslims in Airdrie found new ways to observe one of Islam’s most important annual holidays during the August long weekend.
According to Dr. Saeed Qureshi, July 30 to Aug. 3 marked the annual Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha – the festival of sacrifice.
“Eid al-Adha is one of two Eid celebrations, so two holy days of celebratory festival in the Islamic calendar,” Qureshi said. “It is the most significant, greatest celebratory day in the Muslim calendar.”
I forgot to post this in the AM... Airdrie’s Muslim community gathered this morning for a group prayer to mark the start of Eid al-Adha, which is one of two major holidays in the Islamic calendar. There were a few changes to the holiday’s usual proceedings due to COVID. pic.twitter.com/mhDRGMgtb7
— Scott Strasser (@scottstrasser19) July 31, 2020
Qureshi said Eid al-Adha takes place annually following hajj, the Islamic holy pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Eid is a holiday that focuses on the sacrifices the Prophet Abraham made during his lifetime, he added, as outlined in the Qur’an.
“In particular, there’s a story of him being asked to sacrifice one of his sons – a sacrifice he was prepared to do, but ultimately did not happen,” he said.
To mark Eid al-Adha, Qureshi said Muslims typically gather in large numbers to pray together, and he led prayer at the Airdrie Islamic Centre (AIC) July 31. Due to the pandemic, those prayers occurred in smaller groups this year and at smaller venues.
“Usually, there is one or a few very big Eid prayer locations in Calgary and people congregate in massive numbers,” he said. “That’s not happening this time.”
In Airdrie, more than 100 Muslims gathered at the AIC to pray, with some wearing masks. The mosque’s capacity was set at 95 people, with markings on the floor spaced out every two metres to allow for physical distancing.
Due to the reduced capacity, overflow space was set up in the parking lot outside the facility, complete with mats and speakers so observers could still hear Qureshi’s prayer.
“Also, generally, women and children would attend [the prayer] and that’s not happening this year,” he said.
Another element of Eid al-Adha that was more low-key this year, according to Qureshi, was the feasts that typically occur after group prayers. Usually, he said, Muslims would gather in groups at someone’s household for a meal.
“People aren’t going to be going to each other’s houses as much, unless they’re isolating together,” he said. “It’s a bit different – maybe there will be some more Zoom dinners.”
Airdrie resident Asaif Ahmed was among those who partook in the prayer. He said Eid al-Adha is one of Islam’s two holiest holidays, along with Eid al-Fitr, which occurs following the month of Ramadan.
“There is a lesson of unity, brotherhood, collaboration, caring for each other – that’s what it’s all about, being responsible and caring for people,” Ahmed said.
“Usually, there is no concept of keeping a distance. All the Muslims stand together, irrespective of gender…but this time, we needed to keep six feet of distance to respect the social distance element, because we believe caution is better.”
Scott Strasser, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @scottstrasser19
