Eid ul-Adha: Festival of Sacrifice

On my walk this morning I came across the building where the Muslims on the island worship. In fact, they were gathering to worship as I stopped to admire the building, and ask a few questions. It seems that today happens to be a holiday for Muslims.

The building is just down the street and around the corner from where I live. I had seen it before, but hadn't noticed the distinct Arab design of the building.

Just up the street I discovered this sign in front of a driveway... hmmm

I found this unique palm tree behind the Dynasty Casino. It had fallen over, then simply decided to keep growing anyway! It is a sermon on life, no?

I continue to be amazed at the beauty that can be found walking around the island!

This is the empty lot where our scooter was found. Behind the brush, behind the fence, in the back of the lot, behind some bushes... it is amazing anyone was able to find it!

The duplex being built near our apartment continues to be worked on. I think that the next step is to pour the concrete for the roof. Then they can begin filling-in with concrete block to form walls.

A worker, covered head to toe, is painting the roof of the Amphitheater...

It is a big job! But look how nice the building looks!

I found the following information about the Muslim holiday being celebrated today on Tinian:

Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world make the journey to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the annual pilgrimage (or Hajj). Dressed in the same simple white clothing to represent human equality, the pilgrims gather to perform rites dating back to the time of Abraham.

Hajj is considered one of the five "pillars" of Islam. Muslims are required to make the pilgrimage once in a lifetime, if they are physically and financially able to make the journey to Mecca.

At the end of the pilgrimage, there is a festival: Eid ul-Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, which falls on December 8 this year. It is a celebration in honor of the prophet Abraham, and his willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac as a proof of his loyalty to God.

The Koran states: "Surely Abraham was an example, obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the polytheists. He was grateful for Our bounties. We chose him and guided him unto a right path. We gave him good in this world, and in the next he will most surely be among the righteous." (Qur'an 16:120-121)

One of Abraham's main trials was to face the command of Allah to kill his only son. Upon hearing this command, he prepared to submit to Allah's will. When he was all prepared to do it, Allah revealed to him that his "sacrifice" had already been fulfilled. He had shown that his love for his Lord superceded all others, that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dear to him in order to submit to God.

This great sacrifice of Abraham's is honored by Jews and Christians also.

During the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Abraham's trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel, or goat (perhaps this is why I found a group of Muslims butchering a cow the other day...in preparation for this holiday?).

The meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is mostly given away to others. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor. The act symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah's commands. It also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others.

On the first morning of Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world attend morning prayers at their local mosques. Prayers are followed by visits with family and friends, and the exchange of greetings and gifts. At some point, members of the family will visit a local farm or otherwise will make arrangements for the slaughter of an animal. The meat is distributed during the days of the holiday or shortly thereafter.

During these times, Muslims give thanks to Allah for His bounty and mercy, celebrate the holy days, and wish each other well. While appropriate words in any language are welcome, there are some traditional or common Arabic greetings that one may use or come across:

"Kul 'am wa enta bi-khair!"("May every year find you in good health!")

"Eid Mubarak!"("Blessed Eid!")

"Eid Saeed!"("Happy Eid!")

"Taqabbala Allahu minna wa minkum."("May Allah accept from us, and from you."

In speaking with one of the worshipers, I was told that the celebrations normally last 3 days. However, because they have to work, they are only permitted one day to celebrate this holiday.

I offer my best wishes to them on this day.

I wonder, how many Muslims are ever able to actually make the pilgrimage to Mecca during their lifetime?