BY KFLEEYESUS ABEBE
Muslims across the world are commerating Eid-al-Adha on this day. As New world encylopedia, Eid al-Adha is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide as a commemoration of Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismael for Allah, but a voice from heaven allows Ibrahim to sacrifice a goat instead. Eid-al-Adha is one of two Eid festivals that Muslims celebrate.
Muslims use this day as opportunity to show their obedience to Allah (God) by following his commandments like giving their prayers and be kind to people. Among ways of showing their kindness is celebrating the day along with their loved ones, neighbors and especially with the needy. They sacrifice lamb like Ibrahim did and share it with people living around them or anyone who needs their help. Akbar S. Ahmed in “A Short Introduction to the Muslim World” wrote this about Eid-al-Adha.
“This is the day after the pilgrims in Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia by Muslims from around the world descend from Mount Arafat. It happens to be approximately 70 days after the end of the month of Ramadan. Like Eid al-Fitr, it is a time when Muslims express solidarity with the whole community, and most of what is killed and cooked is “given to the poor.”
As Islam commands it, every Muslim adult; male and female as long as they have the means are required to offer this sacrifice. The rewards are the same and the benefits include feeding the poor. Ethiopian muslims take this seriously. In any means possible even by borrowing money, they buy sheep, ram or goat. Muslims in group may also buy an ox and share it with them.
Like Craig Kenneth said “ the Feast serves to bind into one celebrating community the whole household of Islam within and beyond its religious center,” Ethiopian muslims celebrate they day with their negihbors who may not their faith. It is a Sunnah (a teaching of Muhammad / religious tradition) to divide the meat from the sacrificial animal into three parts.
One is to be shared with family, friends, and neighbours.
Another is to be distributed among the poor and needy.
And one part is for yourself and your immediate family.
The celebration of Eid-al-Adha begins when muslims gather for prayers. Ethiopian muslims in major cities gather in a town square. They start their prayers with this words:
IReturning from the prayers, you may hear muslims saying “Allahu Akbar”/
“Allah is greater” or “Allah is [the] greatest”. Men who wear white gown called Thawb and women black dressing Abaya give a new look for the town. In a house they slaughter animals and feed their families and people in need. The atmosphere is warm as their togetherness and the generousity is uplifting and examplary. Christains show their good faith by sending happy holydays message or spending the holyday along with their muslim friends or neighbors.
Many people’s Eid menus include a dish made with the sacrificial meat, as it is recommended to eat it. Ethiopian muslims prepare and serve different local cuisines like injera with beef stew, chiken stew and other. Different Sweets, dates, soft drinks and other drinks and foods decorate the table.
Blessings to eachother, prayers and songs of worship sustain during the festivity. The merriment is full as people in need aren’t left alone. In fact, they are at the center of it. The joy in everyboy circles the town. Schools and offices are closed on this day and non muslims will also have the chance to witness the joy of their muslim relatives, friends and neighbors. They also get a break from work or they can give time to their loved ones.
Eid-al-Adha is therefore more than a festivity. It can be a time charity, obedience, togetherness and humility can be preached. Preachers are expected to teach the faithful to remain caring and obedient like Ibrahim and Ismail. The teaching that faithful to be obedient to the lord, the elderly and law will be recalled. They will also be loving and caring one to another.
Though isn’t commerated like muslims, this story is also available in Bible. Christains are also expected to follow this teaching of obedience, sacrifice and kindness. On this day, Muslims will take the center stage manifesting these values that are incorporated in festival of sacrifice: Eid al-Adha. People in need are to be remembered, community bond to be strengtherned and religious values to be inculcated among generation.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 28 JUNE 2023
