Countdown begins as Muslim community prepares for Eid Al Adha celebration

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Report by Zahra Ayaz

As the Muslim community eagerly awaits the arrival of Eid Al Adha, locals are already immersed in preparations for the auspicious occasion. While the exact date is yet to be confirmed, astronomical projections suggest that Eid Al Adha is likely to fall on June 16 this year.

Dr. Taha Rabeh, leading the National Institute for Astronomical and Geophysical Research in Egypt, predicts that the start of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, could be on June 7, pointing to a potential Eid Al Adha date of June 16.

The highlight of the Eid Al Adha festival is the sacrifice of an animal, symbolising the willingness of the prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son.

Tradition dictates that the meat be divided into three parts - one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for those in need.

Aside from the symbolic sacrifices, Eid Al Adha is also a time for family gatherings, special meals, and the exchange of gifts.

As the community gears up for the celebrations, The Daily Tribune spoke to a few locals to understand their preparations. Mahvish Shoib shared, “Me and my husband already went to the farm twice to see the goats.

The prices are quite high during Eid, with a small goat costing almost BD60-BD70. We always take the goat a week before Eid so the children can play with and feed it.”

Huge demand

Rizwan Ali noted, “I usually pre-book the goats about two weeks in advance, as there is always a huge demand. The prices depend on the size, weight, age, and the region the goats are from.

Some people opt to take a smaller portion instead of the entire goat or big cow” Bismah Hassan said, “This is a time of generosity, where we cook a lot of food, gather with family, wear good clothes, and celebrate for three days.

We couldn’t keep all the meat in our fridge last year, so this year we bought a mini refrigerator.” As the community eagerly awaits the arrival of Eid Al Adha, the spirit of togetherness, charity, and celebration is palpable in the air.