Eid ul Adha, the festival associated with the Sacrifice of Abraham and the Pilgrimage to Makka will be celebrated over two days in many parts of the world, including the GTA.
An early announcement by the Hajj Authority in Saudi Arabia that the Day of Eid will be Friday, January 21 followed by a subsequent change in the announcement bringing forward the day to Thursday, created some confusion and bewilderment throughout mosques and Islamic Centres, especially in North America where advanced planning is required for hall rentals and employee vacations.
Many community organizations, including ISNA (North America) have stood by their earlier decision to celebrate Eid on Friday, despite the change in announcement. This means that many Muslims will be celebrating Eid two days after the Day of Arafat, as opposed to the customary day after Arafat.
Scholars who are affiliated with these groups have however advised Muslims to fast on Wednesday, as this will effectively be the Day of Arafat where Pilgrims who are performing the Hajj will be observing the "standing" at the Day of Arafat, one of the most important rites of the Pilgrimage.
In the GTA, (Ontario, Canada), the Eid prayers will be held at the CNE on Friday, January 21 at 9:00 a.m. by Jami Mosque, and ISNA Canada. Other groups holding the prayers on Friday include the Islamic Foundation of Toronto, Abu Bakr Mosque, Islamic Centre of Canada (ISNA headquarters) and a host of other local masaajid.
On Thursday, January 20 Masjid Toronto, ICCO, Khalid Bin Walid Mosque and Salaheddin Islamic Centre and other groups will be holding the prayers. ICCO and Masjid Toronto will be holding two prayers in the morning (see www.masjidtoronto.org for details).
The IIT wishes to extend Eid Mubaarak to all Muslims, irrespective of their race, nationality and organizational affiliations. We believe that a difference of opinion on matters related to the Eid and other non-fundamental issues should not be a barrier to love, brotherhood and unity in the Ummah.
The recent tsunami disaster in South East Asia is indicative of our own vulnerability and weakness before the Power of God; at the same time it has brought to the fore the depth of human kindness and compassion, which if nourished by true faith will be a potent force for the good of humanity.
At this time when we commemorate the sacrifice of Abraham, and reflect on the great symbolism of the hajj rituals, let us remember that we will be called to make some sacrifices of our own - with our wealth, time and the restraint of our egos. A willingness to surrender, following the example of Abraham and his family (peace be upon them), and in the footsteps of Muhammad (saw) is a step towards salvation and acceptance from Allah.
May Allah bless you and your families. Eid Mubarak.
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