Muslims Celebrate Festival of Sacrifice
The Muslim community around the country are celebrating Eid-al-Adha this year within their own bubbles.
Not only does the COVID-19 restrictions put in place ensure this but with the rising COVID-19 cases, people feel safer celebrating within their own bubbles.
The Fiji Muslim League (FML) religious adviser, Mufti Mohammed Zaeem, said those intending to perform Eid Namaaz could do so by following the restriction put in place my FML, through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
“Muslims from around the country join millions around the world in celebrating Eid al-Adha with prayers and ritual sacrifices today,” he said.
“But this year, due to the pandemic, it will not be the same. Visitors cannot be allowed to be invited to mark this important festival, which is sad, but at this point of time, health and safety is more important.”
He said Eid al-Adha was also known as the Festival of Sacrifice and it was the day when Muslims slaughtered goat, sheep, cattle, or a camel to mark the event.
Meat distribution
As per ritual, the sacrificial meat is then distributed in three parts - one third for personal consumption, one third for relatives and one third for poor and needy.
Mufti Zaeem stressed the distribution of meat should be done with all proper COVID-safe protocols of mask and social distancing.
About Eid al-Adha
Mufti Zaeem explained the day of Eidul-Adha fell on the tenth day in the final (twelfth) month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar; Dhu-al-Hijjah.
“The day that celebrations fall on is dependent on a legitimate sighting of the moon, following the completion of the annual Holy Pilgrimage of Hajj - which is an obligation for all Muslim’s who fit specific criteria, one of the important Five Pillars of Islam,” he said.
He said the celebration of Eid-ul-Adha was to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to Allah SWT and his readiness to sacrifice his son, Ismail.
“At the very point of sacrifice, Allah SWT replaced Ismail with a ram, which was to be slaughtered in place of his son.”
“This command from Allah SWT was a test of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness and commitment to obey his Lord’s command, without question. Therefore, Eidul-Adha means the festival of sacrifice.”
Eid al-Adha prayer
FML stated Eid-ul-Adha prayer was Wajib for every male adult.
“Recommended time for Eid prayer is between 7.00am-8.00am,” Mufti Zaeem said.