Eid al Adha Celebrated in Sacramento
By Ras H. Siddiqui

Eid ul Adha celebrations in Sacramento

Eid Al-Adha (Bakra Eid) was celebrated on two separate days in Sacramento, California this time around as the end of Hajj or the moon sighting dictated its commemoration on either Monday, December 8th or Tuesday, December 9th this year. The activities started off with a “Chand Raat” at the Sacramento Mehran Restaurant on Sunday, hosted by Farrukh Hashmi, which drew quite a healthy response.
This reporter had the opportunity to attend prayers at SALAM led by Imam Azeez on Monday and post-prayer activities at the Downtown “ V Street ” Mosque on Tuesday after the congregation led by Imam Qasmi broke up. The festivities at both venues reflected the culture of their attendees as SALAM is a little more diverse and the Downtown “V” Street Mosque retains more of a distinctly South-Asian flavor.
Area children look forward to this event, especially the celebrations on the following Sunday, at which SALAM has a gathering for families with clowns, face painting and other activities for kids. This year due to rain, that event had to be held indoors.
Another couple of points to note are that the Sacramento Muslim community also took this opportunity to help feed a number of needy non-Muslim people at The Grand in the heart of the city on Sunday. And the second point (please see a report soon in the Link) is that SALAM along with other groups is embarking on a Muslim Singles Event that is to be held on January 24th which will include an evening of dinner, activities and workshops (within Islamic boundaries) where people can meet their future marriage partners (please call 916-979-1933 to register).
A hearty “Eid Mubarak” from Sacramento, California, to all readers. Since this day celebrates the sacrifice of the Prophet Abraham, let us hope that our efforts to feed the poor and hungry around us will help with a better inter-faith understanding. Our hearts too are grieved for the victims of the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai.  And for the American mainstream communities a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all. Peace on Earth!

 

 

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