Arakan State Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha

By Admin 29 Jun 2023

DMG Newsroom
29 June 2023, Sittwe

Muslims in Arakan State’s Sittwe, Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Pauktaw and Kyaukphyu townships celebrated Eid al-Adha on Thursday.

Eid al-Adha, or “feast of the sacrifice”, is one of the two major Islamic holida. It coincides with the end of the Hajj — the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia — and commemorates the prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son on God’s orders.

During Eid al-Adha, Muslims attend Eid prayers and make Qurbani (offerings), explained faith leader U Maung Tint of Bumay (Muslim) village in Sittwe.

“This is a holy day for followers of Islam. Those who can afford to sacrifice cattle,” said fellow faith leader U Maung Myint.

Besides family and friends, followers of other religions also joined Muslims to cook and enjoy large meals, said Ko Zaw Min Tun of Bumay village.

“Friends came to our houses and we fed them with rice and curry and snacks regardless of race and religion. We present gifts to our non-Muslim friends to show our respect for friendship,” he said.

A Muslim man from Buthidaung Township said: “This is the holiest festival of Islam followers. Qurbani means sacrifice. We slaughter the cattle and offer it to our God.”

The annual Eid al-Adha festival has been held for more than 1,400 years.