Fort McMurray Muslims Celebrate Eid ul Adha
Sumaira Wajid was up early getting ready for a breakfast party about to happen at 11 a.m. She did not mind the early hours, and the fact that over 20 people would be in the house for Eid ul Adha – celebrated around the world on July 20, 2021. Her joy was both for Eid, and that everyone was coming together after a year of isolation due to the pandemic.
“It felt so good to have a full house. This is how Eid is supposed to feel – friends who are like family coming together, and sharing in this joyous occasion,” beamed Sumaira, who has been in the city since 2007.
Eid ul Adha is the second annual holiday celebrated by Muslims. The first being Eid ul Fitar, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. A three-day festival, Eid ul Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, marks the end of Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, which is the biggest annual religious gathering in the world. In addition, the celebration commemorates Prophet Abraham’s almost sacrifice of his son, Ishmael, a beautiful reminder of determination and obedience to God.
Markaz-ul-Islam, the Islamic Centre of Fort McMurray, hosted two Eid prayers. And a family fun fair for the occasion on the same day. Several families were in attendance and once again enjoyed being together for the festivities at 109 Abraham Drive – the new Islamic Centre in Dickinsfield. Bouncy castles, pony rides, henna tattoos, and cultural food rounded out the celebrations.
“COVID put life on hold, and our happiness as well when it comes to festivals. It is so awesome to feel normal again after a year of craziness. Eid feels like Eid again,” added Sumaira.
