‘A REALLY JOYFUL TIME’
Muslims mark Eid al-adha
The Islamic community in Saskatoon gathered at Prairieland Park on Wednesday to commemorate a pilgrimage considered one of the largest annual gatherings in the world.
Muslims in Saskatoon came together on Wednesday morning for the festival of Eid al-adha. Thousands gathered in two of Prairieland Park’s large event halls for prayer, and to hear messages brought by city dignitaries.
“It helps the community come together at a really joyful time,” Daniel Kuhlen said.
Kuhlen, a member of the Islamic Association of Saskatchewan, said Eid al-adha celebrates the end of a holy Islamic pilgrimage called the hajj. In a news release, the association described the pilgrimage as “humanity’s largest annual gathering.” It involves millions of Muslims gathering in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Eid al-adha is also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice” in honour of actions taken by the religious prophet Abraham to honour God.
Speakers at the Saskatoon event included Mayor Charlie Clark, MP Sheri Benson, and Saskatchewan Lt.- Gov. Tom Molloy.
Most people outside the Islamic community are more familiar with Eid al-fitr at the end of Ramadan, but Kuhlen said it’s important for everyone to know why the gatherings happen.
“We have such a large community of people from approximately 50 to 60 different countries,” he said. “What it does is it gives people a sense of their own diversity — and despite all that diversity, we’re here for the same purpose.”
Islamic association volunteer Ibrahim Dalal helped get the thousands of attendees into neat rows ahead of prayers. Dalal said while Eid al-adha is an important religious ceremony for Islam, it’s also important for non-muslims in Saskatoon to see and understand it.
“Everyone coming out under one roof builds a stronger community, and also shows Saskatoon it’s a diverse community,” he said. “We welcome (everyone) to come and also participate ... to watch what happens.”
This year’s celebration follows a public event held to support Abu Sheikh, a local Muslim man who was attacked as he walked home from his mosque in July. The attack was referenced in speeches by some of the local delegates and prayer leader Imam Ilyas, who said Saskatoon cannot be defined by the actions of one person.
Eid al-adha officially runs until Saturday. A street festival event is planned for Saturday as part of the celebrations.