Eid Mubarak to those who are celebrating!
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 completing the pilgrimage at least once in their lives. This year, celebrations are likely to start on Saturday 15 June observing a fast from dawn till dusk, followed by the first day of Eid on Sunday 16 June with the celebration lasting four days.
Eid is also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, to commemorate Prophet Ibraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son. Following extra prayers and sermon in the morning, the occasion is marked by the sacrifice of an animal that Muslims can eat, this is known as Qurbani or Odhia, 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.
Join in:
- Share well wishes with your Muslim colleagues! It is a nice gesture to wish observers “Eid Mubarak” meaning “Blessed Eid”.
- The Islamic Society is hosting special prayers on Sunday 16 June, visit the Islamic Society webpage for more details.
- 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 University Hospital Southampton. Quiet rooms can be used for prayer at the National Oceanography Centre, the Boldrewood Innovation Campus, and Winchester School of Art.
- Consider joining the Faith Network, open to staff and PGRs of all faiths and none who want to share their spiritual experiences, keep up to date with news, and take part in events.
- Come along to Eid al-Adha celebrations on Highfield Campus, organised by the Faith Network, to come together for religious and cultural exchange, enjoy some tasty food, and deepen your understanding of Eid al-Adha and Islam.