Eidul Azha celebrated in the Gulf, in other parts of the world

Eidul Azha celebrated in the Gulf, in other parts of the world

MAKKAH: Muslims in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia and Malaysia, among other countries, celebrated Eidul Azha on Friday amid the coronavirus pandemic, which has so far infected more than 17 million people people and killed nearly 668,000 people worldwide.

Wearing face masks and getting temperature checks as a precaution, Indonesian Muslims on Friday celebrated morning prayers to celebrate Eid in small-capacity mosques as well as on the streets, international media reported.

As the world’s largest Muslim-majority country struggles to contain the spread of the virus, worshipers have been urged to maintain social distancing during prayers.

Indonesia’s ministry of worship has also asked mosques to shorten gatherings this year, while many mosques have canceled the traditional ceremony where cattle are slaughtered and meat is distributed to the community.

Instead, donated sheep, goats and cows will be slaughtered in slaughterhouses.

“This year’s Eidul Azha is very different from previous years because we have to follow health protocols while we do prayers, like maintaining social distance,” said Devita Ilhami, 30, who was at the mosque. Sunda Kelapa in Jakarta.

In Saudi Arabia, Eid prayers were offered at Masjid-e-Nabvi and the Grand Mosque in Mecca after pilgrims spent the night on Mount Arafat offering prayers to Muzdalifa. On Friday morning, the pilgrims traveled to Mina where they performed the devil’s stoning at Jamarat Al-Aqba, sacrificed animals, shaved their heads, and then left for Mecca to execute Tawaf Al-Ifada and Sai.

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan also sent his greetings to Eid to mark the festival. “On the occasion of Eid Al Adha, we congratulate the President of the United Arab Emirates, the Vice President, the leaders and the people of the United Arab Emirates. We extend our best wishes to our frontline heroes, to the children and families of the martyrs. A blessed and prosperous Eid for all, ”he said. In Turkey, people gathered outside the Hagia Sophia for the Eid prayer, the first time since the building was converted into a mosque earlier this month.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in his message on the occasion, urged citizens to respect social distancing rules during the celebration of the festival. “I wish Eidul Azha could bring serenity to our hearts, the well-being of our country and peace to our world. Eid Mubarak !, ”Erdogan said in a statement.

“Sadly, this year we observe Eidul Azha with sorrow as the Haj will be accomplished in a limited way due to the coronavirus pandemic. InshaAllah, next year, millions of Muslims will again visit the Holy Kaaba and the sacred lands with love, enthusiasm, and joy, ”he said by Anadolu Agency.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday urged Muslims in his country celebrating Eidul Azha to stay away from large gatherings.

An outbreak in the state of Victoria has been partly linked to family reunions after the holy month of Ramazan fasting.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in his post: “Eidul Azha has been one of the most important Muslim holidays and a time to reflect on the lessons of sacrifice and the values ​​of service, compassion and charity.”

“On this important occasion, Muslims usually come together with their families and loved ones to pray, share festive meals, provide food to those in need, and give thanks for the blessings of life. This year, as we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and follow health guidelines to keep each other and our communities safe, the celebrations will be different – especially for those who couldn’t. participate in the pilgrimage, ”he said.

“However, the values ​​at the heart of Eidul Azha have never been more important. Whether it’s supporting a local charity, being there for neighbors or helping the most vulnerable, Muslim Canadians continue to show us what it means to serve our community, ”he added. .