Muslims globally are celebrating Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice. This important Islamic holiday honors the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, who ultimately provided a sheep to sacrifice instead.
The Significance of Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha follows the annual Hajj pilgrimage and traditionally involves the ritual slaughtering of sheep, with a portion of the meat distributed to the needy. This year, the celebration in Gaza is overshadowed by ongoing conflict with Israel, plunging the Middle East into further turmoil.
Eid al-Adha in Gaza: A Different Celebration
In Gaza, Palestinians faced significant challenges in celebrating Eid al-Adha. The usual joyous activities were marred by the devastation around them. In Khan Younis, a southern city in Gaza, dozens gathered near a destroyed mosque for Eid prayers amidst the debris of collapsed buildings. Similarly, in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza, Muslims performed prayers in a school converted into a shelter. Many, including women and children, visited cemeteries to pay respects to loved ones.
The Human Toll of Conflict
Abdulhalim Abu Samra, a displaced Palestinian, highlighted the severe impact of the conflict, mentioning the high number of casualties and the widespread destruction of homes. “After nine months, we have over 37,000 martyrs, more than 87,000 wounded, and hundreds of thousands of homes destroyed. Our people live in very difficult circumstances,” he told The Associated Press.
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Striving for Hope Amidst Hardship
Despite the dire situation, Palestinians in Gaza are trying to maintain a sense of hope. Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum reported from Deir el-Balah that efforts are being made to bring some happiness to children, many of whom are celebrating Eid without their parents due to the conflict.
Restrictions on Sacrificial Rituals
The Government Media Office in Gaza announced that Israel was preventing the entry of sacrificial animals into the enclave, disrupting the traditional sacrificial rituals of Eid al-Adha.
Eid Prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque
In occupied Jerusalem, around 40,000 Muslims performed Eid al-Adha prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque, a significant drop from the estimated 100,000 attendees in 2023. Reports from Wafa news agency indicate that Israeli forces assaulted worshippers entering the mosque and blocked others from accessing the holy site.
Solidarity in the West Bank and Beyond
Palestinians in Ramallah, West Bank, also gathered for Eid prayers. Mahmoud Mohana, a mosque imam, expressed solidarity with those suffering in Gaza. “We suffer greatly and live through difficult moments with our brothers in Gaza,” he stated.
Observances in Lebanon
In Lebanon, where Hezbollah has engaged in near-daily clashes with Israel over the Gaza conflict, people visited the Martyrs Cemetery near the Shatila camp for Palestinian refugees in Beirut. This annual tradition involves bringing flowers and water to the graves of loved ones on the first day of Eid.
Messages of Peace and Solidarity
Officials and leaders worldwide extended Eid greetings and expressed solidarity with those affected by conflict. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced his support for Muslims unable to celebrate due to violence and division. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wished for peace, particularly in Palestine and Sudan, during this holy period.
Conclusion
Eid al-Adha is a time for reflection, sacrifice, and charity. However, for many Palestinians, this year’s observance is a poignant reminder of the hardships brought by conflict. Amidst the rubble and loss, the resilience and hope of the Gazan people shine through as they strive to maintain their traditions and support one another in these trying times.