On the occasion of the Feast of the Sacrifice (Arabic: Eid al-Aḍḥā; Turkish: Kurban Bayramı) KUDEM wishes all Muslims blessed, peaceful, harmonious and joyful celebrations in the presence of the family, friends and neighbours.
Muslims celebrate Eid al-Aḍḥāby four-days lasting celebrations which are considered as one of the two most important Islamic holidays. Eid al-Aḍḥā is also considered as the highlight of the Hajj pilgrim which is performed on the 12th month of Islamic calendar Dhul-Hijjah. The route of Eid al-Aḍḥā belongs to the Prophet Abraham (Ibrāhīm). When Abraham was asked for sacrifice, he took Ismael (Ismāʿīl) to sacrifice. But, before Abraham could use his knife Allah placed a sheep under his hand. Muslims around the world relate to Abraham’s faithfulness and attendance towards the word of Allah by slaughtering an animal. Related to this occasion the Qurʾān (cf. Qurʾān:37/101-111) also emphasizes the deeper meaning of sacrificing as a act in which the profane is sacrified to obtain the pleasure of Allah. The Qurʾān says here:“Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you.” (Qurʾān:22/37).
The occasion of sacrifice is has great symbolic value for Muslims as it illustrates to abdicate from profane in order to diminish the distance to gain proximity to Allah. According to Sufi-reading to overcome all hurdles in between and to sacrifice them on the path to the Divine.
In the remembrance of the prophets Abraham (Ibrahim) and Ismael (Ismail) any Muslim who has the financial position is obliged to slaughter an animal. Festivals serve the commonality and brotherhood and to bridge the gap between rich and poor and to let others share one’s joy.
May these days be a reminder for our social unity and solidarity. With this in mind KUDEM wishes all Muslims happy celebrations and congratulations to the pilgrims performing the pilgrimage (ḥaǧǧ).
