Eid al-Adha Celebrated with Fervor in Sacramento
By Ras H. Siddiqui
Eid al-Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice was celebrated in Sacramento on both Tuesday, August 21st and Wednesday, August 22nd by thousands of Muslims in the region. This reporter could only attend the festivities on Tuesday at two locations, the Tarbiya Institute and at SALAM where it was like witnessing the United Nations of the Muslim world!
One has to appreciate the opportunity of living in America and seeing the followers of Islam from just about every corner of the planet right here in one’s own backyard. A similarly diverse gathering is held at the annual Hajj pilgrimage but that runs into millions of attendees (over two million were able to attend this year). Eid al-Adha is celebrated to remember the willingness of the Prophet Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael as per God’s order. Primarily sheep, goats and cows are sacrificed by Muslims on this occasion and the meat is shared with family, friends and specifically those less fortunate in our communities.
Here in Sacramento, even though this was a working weekday, the Jackson Sports Academy at McClellan Park was quite full. It appears that pretty soon Tarbiya will need a stadium to hold their Eid Prayers. Imam Mohamed Abdul Azeez and his brother Sherif Azeez co-conducted the pre-prayer, prayers and Khutba (after prayer sermon) here. It was great to see the occasion blessed with entire families in attendance, dressed in their Eid best. Imam Azeez delivered an inspiring Khutba (as usual) before people proceeded to meet and greet oneanother and took advantage of the food and other items available for sale.
And speaking of socializing this writer proceeded to SALAM where many friends were already present. This congregation with Imam Kashif Ahmed in the lead had ended their prayers and some great food and entertainment was available for everyone. The kids were having a good time and food was being consumed by many families present. This writer thanked Imam Kashif for helping with another Sacramento event the previous week and also met many old friends. For over 30 years SALAM has contributed positively to the Sacramento mainstream community and remains committed to its outreach efforts. It is a truly American Mosque.
A late Eid Mubarak to all of our readers.
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