Eid Al Adha in the Midst of a Deadly Pandemic

Eid Al Adha, the second of two great Muslim festivals is believed to be different under coronavirus measures.

Eid Al Adha which translates to the Festival of Sacrifice, is an annual celebration that follows the completion of Ramadan as well as al Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca). The former is one of the most important religious events in the Islamic calendar where Muslims all around the world (those who can afford for the feast) are required to sacrifice a sheep or a goat as a reminder for  the prophet Ibrahim’s (or Abraham for Christians and Jews) may peace and blessings be upon him  willingness to sacrifice his own son Isma’il (or Ishmael) as an act of loyalty and obedience to Allah. Eid Al Adha falls on the 12th and last month of the lunar calendar.

In the Islamic world, the celebration extends for two to four days, depending on the country’s rituals. Moroccans for instance have their own rituals and special atmosphere; they rise early in the morning, get cleaned and put on best traditional clothes available to start their day with special prayers to welcome the Eid. Right after that, they share diversified treats that are usually made for this sacred holiday during breakfast. (Those traditions are passed down to us from our ancestors to keep the spirit of the Eid alive).

Then comes the most eagerly-awaited moment of the Eid, the sheep gets sacrificed and the process of cooking and grilling begins. The grilled meat is usually paired with tomato and onion salads along with mint tea to balance the flavors. Then each family invites or visits their beloved ones to celebrate the holly Eid in harmony and love with them.

Truth be told, this holly Eid holds all the meanings of unity, caring, uniqueness and joy. However, the current strict and exceptional circumstances of COVID-19 have decided otherwise, and obliged Muslims across the world to adapt to the new taste of Eid Al Adha. Greetings would be given without hugging or shaking hands, not to mention the precautionary measures that ought to be respected such as keeping one to two meters of social distancing as the countries’ authorities recommended to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

We wish you a very warm Eid Al Adha Mubarak. May the almighty grant you a harmonious and prosperous life