McMurray Gathers for Eid ul Adha
This year, the three-day celebration of Eid ul Adha took place on July 9, 2022. In the city of McMurray, local Muslims gathered at the Markaz ul Islam, the Fort McMurray Islamic Centre in Dickinsfield, on a plot of land known as Abraham’s Land – a fitting location for the occasion. The community came together for two congregational prayers, followed by the distribution of goody bags for children and sweets for adults.
To extend the festivities, an Eid fun fair was organized on July 10 at the same venue. The fair provided an opportunity for families to come together and enjoy a range of activities, including bouncy castles, rides, henna tattoos, and a petting zoo. The atmosphere was filled with joy and excitement as children and adults alike immersed themselves in the festive spirit.
Shaikh Maqsood Sher, one of the leaders of the local Islamic congregation, explains the significance of Eid ul Adha: “Eid ul Adha translates as the celebration of sacrifice, commemorating the story and conversation of Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail. Muslims around the world celebrate it by sacrificing and distributing meat for the needy. Muslims in Fort McMurray started their day with a prayer and enjoyed feasting with families and friends. Eid ul Adha teaches us to sacrifice what we love for others and to prioritize Allah’s will over everything else.”
Feasting is an integral part of the Eid ul Adha celebration, with families and friends gathering to enjoy a delicious spread of mainly meat dishes and cultural staples. It is also common for people to get dressed up in new clothes, adding to the festive ambiance.
Mohammed-Ali Al-Zabidi, the President of Markaz ul Islam, expresses gratitude for the occasion: “Muslims celebrate two Eids, and they are highly anticipated throughout the year. The first one, Eid ul Fitar, marks the end of Ramadan, and this weekend’s Eid ul Adha was a joyous day. Thank you to all our volunteers for their hard work in organizing the prayers and the fun fair. The smoother the event is, the more work has happened behind the scenes. Thank you also to everyone for attending.”
The celebration of Eid ul Adha holds deep meaning and significance for Muslims around the world. Beyond the feasting and festivities, it serves as a reminder of the importance of sacrifice and devotion, as exemplified by Prophet Abraham. It is a time for families and communities to come together, to reflect on their faith, and to give thanks for all that they have been blessed with.
In McMurray, the gathering for Eid ul Adha not only brings together local Muslims but also fosters a sense of unity and understanding among the wider community. It is an opportunity to learn about different cultures and traditions, to celebrate diversity, and to promote a climate of acceptance and inclusivity.
As the celebration of Eid ul Adha concludes, the spirit of sacrifice and devotion continues to resonate in the hearts of those who participate. It serves as a reminder of the power of faith and the importance of priorities in one’s life. McMurray may be a small city, but its celebration of Eid ul Adha is a testament to the strength and resilience of its Muslim community, and their commitment to their faith and values.