Observer Report
Makkah
Muslims in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Europe, Indonesia and Malaysia and other countries celebrated Eid-ul-Azha on Friday amid the coronavirus pandemic.
In Saudi Arabia, Eid prayers were offered at Masjid-e-Nabvi and the Grand Mosque in Makkah after the pilgrims spent the entire night on Mount Arafat offering prayers in Muzdalifa.
Meanwhile, pilgrims on Friday took part in the “stoning of the devil”, using sanitised pebbles in the last major ritual of the scaled-down Hajj as Saudi authorities seek to prevent a coronavirus outbreak.
In the scorching heat, worshippers made their way across Mina Valley near Makkah in western Saudi Arabia under the watchful eyes of security forces, to symbolically “humiliate” the devil.
Masked pilgrims, clad in white and observing social distancing, threw seven stones each at a pillar symbolising Satan. Hajj authorities offered the pilgrims pebbles that were sanitised to protect against the pandemic.
Friday also marked the beginning of Eid-ul-Adha, the feast of sacrifice.
Muslims traditionally slaughter sheep for the three-day holiday in tribute to the Prophet Abraham’s sacrifice of a lamb after God at the last moment spared Hazrat Ishmael, his son.
This year, the Saudi government is covering the expenses of all pilgrims, providing them with meals, hotel accommodation, and health care, worshippers said.
In Turkey, people gathered outside the Hagia Sophia for Eid ul Adha prayers, the first time it has taken place since the building was reconverted to a mosque earlier this month.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in his message on the occasion of Eid praised the country’s fight against the coronavirus and urged the citizens to abide by social distancing rules as they marked the festival.
“I wish Eid-ul-Adha may bring serenity to our hearts, well-being to our country and peace to our world. Eid Mubarak!,” Erdogan said in a statement.
“Unfortunately, this year we observe Eid-ul-Adha with grief since Hajj will be fulfilled in a limited manner due to the coronavirus pandemic. InshaAllah, next year, millions of Muslims will once again take to the Holy Kaaba and sacred lands with love, enthusiasm, and joy,” he was quoted as saying by Anadolu Agency.
Earlier, wearing face masks and getting temperature checks as a precaution, Indonesian Muslims performed prayers on Friday to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha in mosques with reduced capacity as well as on the streets.
As the world’s biggest Muslim-majority country struggles to contain the spread of the virus, worshippers were advised to maintain social distancing during prayers.
Indonesia’s religious ministry also asked mosques to shorten the gatherings this year, while many mosques cancelled the traditional ceremony where livestock is slaughtered and meat distributed to the community.
Instead, the donated sheep, goats and cows will be killed in abattoirs.
“This year’s Eid ul Adha is very different from the previous years because we need to follow health protocols as we perform prayers, like maintaining social distancing,” said Devita Ilhami, 30, who was at the Sunda Kelapa mosque in Jakarta.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in his message said “Eid-ul-Adha was 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 gather with families and loved ones to pray, share festive meals, provide food to those in need, and give thanks for the blessings in life. This year, as we continue to fight the Covid-19 pandemic and follow health guidelines to keep each other and our communities safe, celebrations will look different – especially for those who were unable to participate in the pilgrimage,” he said.
“However, the values at the heart of Eid-ul-Adha have never been more important. Whether it is supporting a local charity, being there for neighbours, or helping those who are more vulnerable, Muslim Canadians continue to show us what it means to serve our community,” he added.