Eid Mubarak

[AFC]

Wising all our Muslim members a Happy Eid. I hope this Eid brings peace, prosperity, and happiness to everyone’s life. Eid Mubarak!

So what is this festival?

Eid Al Adha is one of two major festivals in Islam, and is a holiday celebrated by all Muslims marking the conclusion of the pilgrimage to Mecca, known as Haj. At the end of Haj, Muslims throughout the world celebrate the holiday. Although Eid-ul-Adha has no direct relation to the Hajj Pilgrimage, it is but a day after the completion of Hajj and therefore has significance in time.

Eid Al Adha translated, means the Festival of Sacrifice. Celebrations of Eid-ul-Adha can last anywhere between two and four days. depending where you are, or 9 days if in Turkey or North Cyprus!

Eid Al Adha remembers the trials of Prophet Abraham, specifically being asked to sacrifice his son. Abraham obeyed and on taking a knife to his neck an angel of God appeared and told Abraham to spare his son because he had proven his faith. Similar versions of this story are are of course also found in the Torah and The Old Testament (Genesis 22:2), showing the common heritage of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

One important tradition for Eid al-Adha is helping those in need.

As Prophet Abraham was allowed to sacrifice a ram instead of his son, Eid al-Adha is traditionally celebrated on its first day, with the symbolic sacrifice of a lamb, goat, cow, camel or other animal. The act of Qurbani (sacrifice) is carried out following the Eid Prayers.

The act of Qurbani consists of slaughtering an animal as a sacrifice to mark this occasion in remembrance of Prophet Abraham.

The meat is divided into three equal portions per share; one-third is donated to those in need, the poor, one third is for you and your family, one-third is for friends.

Traditionally, the day is spent celebrating with family, friends and loved ones, often wearing new or best attire and the giving of gifts.

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In 2018 and 2019 St Andrew’s Church in Kyrenia observed the spirit of Kurban Bayram, The Feast of Sacrifice, by making collections for two special projects THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES KYRENIA REHABILITATION CENTER FOR THE OVER 18 DISABLED in Karakum and the Kemal Saraçoğlu Foundation for Children with Leukaemia and the Fight Against Cancer

Sadly the Covid pandemic which effectively closed St. Andrew’s and other places of worship in the TRNC during 2020 and 2021 has largely curtailed similar fund raising for the present time.

Kurban Bayramınınz Mübarak Olsun!