JAKARTA, Indonesia. Muslims across Asia celebrated Eid al-Adha on Monday, marking the significant Islamic festival with prayers, sacrifices, and traditional feasts, while extending their thoughts and prayers to those affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s test of faith, where he was willing to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Muslims around the world observe this day by slaughtering livestock and distributing the meat to the less fortunate. The celebration coincides with the final rites of the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
A Day of Prayers and Sacrifices
In Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, worshippers gathered in large numbers for communal prayers. Preachers urged the faithful to remember and pray for Muslims in Gaza and Rafah. “Our prayers and thoughts are with our brothers and sisters who are now suffering in Palestine,” said worshipper Adi Prasetya after prayers in southern Jakarta. Another devotee, Berlina Yustiza, prayed for strength and peace for those ravaged by war.
Cultural Traditions in Indonesia
Indonesia, home to the largest Muslim population in the world, has unique traditions for Eid al-Adha influenced by other religions. In Yogyakarta, locals believe catching crops arranged in a “gunungan” can bring good luck. In East Java’s Pasuruan city, a tradition called “manten sapi” involves dressing sacrificial cows like brides. Villagers in Demak celebrated with a procession of livestock called “apitan,” expressing gratitude for food and harvest.
Celebrations Across Asia
In Malaysia, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim joined thousands in morning prayers at a mosque near his office in Putrajaya. He emphasized the message of simplicity and humility preached in Hajj, encouraging Muslims to remain humble and avoid the temptations of worldly riches.
In India, where Muslims comprise 14% of the population, the historic Jama Masjid in New Delhi saw thousands offering prayers. Families gathered early, shared hugs and wishes, and merchants lined the streets with goats for sale.
In Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority nation of over 170 million, large congregations gathered in open fields and mosques to mark the festival. More than 400,000 devotees participated in prayers at a field in Kishoreganj district, while in the capital, Dhaka, 35,000 people joined a prominent imam at the Supreme Court grounds. Millions of cattle were slaughtered across the country in celebration.
A Unified Spirit
The festival not only highlights the spirit of sacrifice and charity but also brings communities together in prayer and celebration, reinforcing the values of empathy and compassion. As Muslims across Asia and the world celebrated Eid al-Adha, the emphasis remained on unity, peace, and the importance of supporting those in need.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
