In Jakarta, the celebration of the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha was marked by lower spending, increased prices, and a reduction in animal sacrifices, all of which tempered the usual festive atmosphere globally. Known as the “Feast of Sacrifice,” this significant event aligns with the conclusion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. It is traditionally a joyful occasion that involves devout Muslims buying and slaughtering animals, with the meat shared mostly with those in need.
In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians observed the start of Eid al-Adha amid the ruins of the ongoing war. For the second consecutive year, no Muslims from Gaza could travel to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage due to the prevailing conflict. With much of Gaza in ruins, residents conducted their Eid prayers outdoors amidst dwindling food supplies, forcing families to make do with limited resources. Kamel Emran, a resident of Khan Younis, described the Eid as the worst experienced due to the conflict’s impact, noting the dire lack of essentials such as food, shelter, and mosques.
The U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization warned that by September, nearly 500,000 people in Gaza would face acute food insecurity, leading to severe hunger and malnutrition. This dire situation signifies a potential risk of famine affecting the entire region. Meanwhile, the Imam in Nairobi, Kenya, highlighted the shared pain and solidarity of the Muslim community worldwide, prompting prayers for the people of Gaza.
In South Asia, countries like India and Bangladesh prepared for Eid al-Adha celebrations on Saturday, with many Muslims participating in the tradition of buying and selling animals for sacrifice. In New Delhi, livestock sellers noticed higher prices this year, while in Kashmir, families dyed sheep and goats in henna, observing the tradition linked to the Quranic narrative of Ibrahim.
In Indonesia, devout Muslims gathered for prayers in Jakarta’s Istiqlal Grand Mosque. However, a shift in the economic landscape following the COVID-19 pandemic led to a noticeable reduction in the number of sacrificial animals available for the holiday, according to governmental data.
In Mina, Saudi Arabia, over 1.6 million Muslims performed the symbolic stoning of the devil as part of the Hajj rituals, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s test of faith. Despite the festive spirit, the celebration was overshadowed in places like Goma, Congo, where residents gathered to pray for peace amidst the ongoing conflict. The decades-long unrest has only intensified, with prayers and hopes for peace resounding among the attendees.
Eid celebrations in Nigeria were similarly affected by rising costs due to economic policies that inadvertently fueled inflation, making the purchase of rams for sacrifice a challenge. Yet, amid hardships, some Nigerians found hope in the holiday as a reminder of gratitude and the potential for future blessings.
In Turkey, Eid al-Adha served as a bridge for Christian and Muslim community leaders and citizens in Mardin, exemplifying coexistence through joint celebrations. Attendees from both faiths highlighted the importance of fraternity and solidarity, fostering a sense of unity.
Despite diverse circumstances, these celebrations of Eid al-Adha around the globe emphasized themes of sacrifice, perseverance, and community, highlighting the shared elements of faith and hope across different regions.