Eid ul-Adha is the second and larger of the two major holidays celebrated in Islam. The celebrations begin on the last day of the Hajj – a pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia – with Muslims making the visit at least once in their lives. This year, celebrations are likely to start on Wednesday 28 June and end on the evening of Sunday 2 July.
Eid is also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. Following extra prayers in the morning, the occasion is marked by the sacrifice of an animal that Muslims can eat; this is known as Qurbani or Udhiya, the Arabic word which means sacrificial offering. The sacrifice comes with an element of charity, as the meat is distributed to their family, friends, and those in need to ensure no one goes hungry.
Get Involved:
- Share well wishes with your Muslim colleagues! It is a nice gesture to wish observers “Eid Mubarak” meaning “Blessed Eid”.
- We welcomed many Muslim staff and students for Eid salah, which took place on Wednesday 28 June at 08:30 on the grass area outside the Muslim prayer room on Highfield Campus.
- There is a Muslim prayer room on Highfield campus, which the Islamic Society helps to maintain. There are also prayer rooms at the Sir James Matthews Building and the University Hospital. Quiet rooms can be used for prayer at the National Oceanography Centre, the Boldrewood Innovation Campus, and Winchester School of Art.
- Dr Aiman Alzetani, our Muslim Faith Advisor at the Faith and Reflection Centre is keen to connect with anyone who is interested in joining a Multi-faith Staff Network to create a voice for the faith community through empowerment and support. To find out more email Dr Aiman Alzetani on [email protected].
