PHILIPSBURG–Muslims in St. Maarten will be joining the rest of the Muslim community in the world to celebrate Edi ul Adha today, Friday, September 1. Muslims will be observing prayer at 7:15am today at the mosque in Cay Hill. Following the prayers the entire community will celebrate Eid by exchanging greetings having breakfast together and giving gifts for children. There are two major festivals (Eids) in Islam. They are known as Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha. Eid ul Fitr is the festival celebrated at the end of Ramadhan which is the month of fasting, while Eid ul Adha is the festival that takes place during the yearly pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca and its surrounding areas. Eid ul Adha is Arabic for The Festival of Sacrifice. It is also known by some Muslims as Eid ul Kabeer which means The Big Festival.
Eid ul Adha commemorates Prophet Abraham’s unselfish act of offering his son as sacrifice as per the commands of his Lord, Nasser Kassrawi from the St. Maarten Islamic Center said in a press release.
The Festival of Sacrifice begins on the 10th or 12th month of the Islamic calendar. This month is called Dhul Hijjah and the festival extends up until the 14th of this month.
Aside from the historical significance of this month Muslims are also required to remember their family members, friends and the underprivileged within the community. In other words, those who can offer a sacrificial animal eat of its meat and share from it with those around them, the press release stated.
“We, as the Muslim community, hope that with this brief introduction into our upcoming festivities we have been able to raise awareness about our beliefs. It is also our hope that we have been able to provide answers for the questions held by the curious minds out there,” the St. Maarten Islamic Center said. “Our doors at the St. Maarten Islamic Center are always open.”
Persons who would like additional information or have questions can visit the Center at Puma Road #26, Cay Hill or call tel 1-721-5420922.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/69110-muslims-in-st-maarten-to-observe-eid-ul-adha-today
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