CU Muslim Action Committee (CU MAC), Central Illinois Mosque and Islamic Center (CIMIC), and Muslim American Society UC (MAS UC) wish the Champaign-Urbana community and the Muslim Ummah a blessed Eid Al-Adha.
On Sunday, June 16th, many Muslims across the nation and globe will celebrate Eid Al-Adha. “Eid” in Arabic means celebration or feast, and “Al-Adha” means sacrifice. Eid Al-Adha commemorates the steadfastness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son, Prophet Ismail (Ishmael), when they were asked by God to sacrifice what was most dear to them. This story of sacrifice is familiar to many, as it shares similarities with the Judeo-Christian tradition.
In the Quran, in Surah Al-Saffat (Chapter 37), it mentions:
37.102. “Then when the boy [Ismail] reached the age to work with him, Ibrahim said, ‘O my dear son! I have seen in a dream that I ˹must˺ sacrifice you. So tell me what you think.’ He replied, ‘O my dear father! Do as you are commanded. Allah willing, you will find me steadfast.’”
37.103. “Then when they submitted ˹to Allah’s Will˺, and Abraham laid him on the side of his forehead ˹for sacrifice˺,
37.104. We called out to him, ‘O Abraham!
37.105. You have already fulfilled the vision.’ Indeed, this is how We reward the good-doers.”
Eid Al-Adha coincides with the Hajj season, during which many rituals also honor the dedication and sacrifices of Prophet Ibrahim, his wife Haajar, and his son Prophet Ismail. Several members of our community are participating in the Hajj and have traveled to Mecca, and we pray for them to have a safe and spiritual journey.
In the Champaign-Urbana community, nearly 3,000 Muslims will come together at CIMIC on Sunday for the morning congregational Eid prayer, followed by gifts and activities for the children of the community.
As we celebrate this year, we are once again filled with bittersweet emotions as we keep the almost 50,000 people we’ve lost in Gaza, Palestine, in our hearts and prayers, especially the 274+ killed in the Nuseirat Massacre just a week ago on June 8.