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Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
What is Eid al-Adha? Why is it celebrated? The Islamic holiday explained
Eid al-Adha, a period of "communal enjoyment" for Muslims worldwide, is officially underway. Over two billion Muslims are currently, or preparing, to celebrate the "Feast of Sacrifice," a major Islamic holiday that commemorates a profound act of faith. The festival, which spans a couple of days, is marked by prayer, the ritual sacrifice of animals and feasts. One of the most significant and well-known traditions is Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, which every Muslim has to do once in their lifetime. "Just as Christians perform the communion in honor of the sacrifice of Jesus [Christ] and they have bread and wine together, the flesh and blood of Jesus. Muslims do this sacrifice in honor of the sacrifice of Abraham, of his son, which is either Isaac or Ishmael," Mohsen Goudarzi, assistant professor of Islamic Studies at the Harvard Divinity School, said in a Thursday interview with USA TODAY. Here's what to know about the Islamic holiday, including when and how it is celebrated. Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Abraham's commitment to his faith, as he was "willing" to sacrifice his son. Traditionally known as Ishmael, because God asked him to. God intervened at the last moment, presenting a ram to be sacrificed in the son's place. Eid al-Adha, regardless of the day, always falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final and most sacred month of the Islamic calendar. This year's "Feast of Sacrifice," specifically the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, began at sunset on June 5, authorities in Saudi Arabia recently confirmed to Al-Jazeera. The date provided by the Saudi Arabian government holds relevance to those who are making the Hajj."Around the world, people do [observe] this far from Mecca, they just face the Meccan sanctuary during their prayers and rituals," Goudarzi said. Muslims who are not participating in the Hajj, or holy trip, typically observe Eid al-Adha starting June 6. The date of Eid al-Adha may also vary from country to country. "If people in Iran, for example, or in Indonesia or in Pakistan, their government can say, 'You know what the 10th day is this Friday. And so, this is the day when we come together, those who are not going to Mecca, which is the vast majority of the public,'" Goudarzi said. "They would get to define which day is the festival." Though devotion plays an important role in how Muslims observe Eid al-Adha, there is also room to come together and have fun. "The whole festival is very much geared towards communal enjoyment," Goudarzi said. While the day may start off with a special prayer service at a mosque, Muslims make time to visit with loved ones on the "Feast of Sacrifice," exchanging greetings, gifts "Eidi" and food, including homemade sweets. Muslims also follow the way of the Prophet Muhammad, also known as Sunnah on Islam, by engaging in certain practices on Eid. (Sunnah is followed every day, not only on Eid.) Some of these practices include taking a bath or shower in the morning, wearing one's best clothes and perfume, taking a different path home from attending Eid prayer, or saying 'Takbeer' ("Takbir") to praise God on the way to Eid prayers. Those with the means may present a Qurbani, or animal sacrifice, comparable to the sacrifice that Prophet Abraham was willing to make. Goats, cows, sheep, lambs and camels are some of the animals permitted to be sacrificed. "If you can afford it, you can perform the sacrifices, or have some people perform the sacrifice on your behalf and distribute the meat, either for yourself and for charitable purposes," Goudarzi said. While the participation in the Qurbani and the consumption of the Qurbani is not required, it is encouraged. The meat from the Qurbani is split three ways: one-third for you and yours, one-third for family and friends and one-third for the needy. Some Muslims go to slaughterhouses that practice zabiha, the prescribed method of slaughter for halal animals for their Qurbani sacrifice or donate to charities that distribute meats to communities affected by food insecurity. "Generally, the highlight is really the 10th day, when you go to a mosque, oftentimes the big mosque in your town or city, and you perform the rituals and you come together and so on," Goudarzi said. "It does have a very festive atmosphere." Contributing: Mariyam Muhammad, The Columbus Dispatch, part of the USA TODAY Network This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Eid al-Adha: The Isalmic holiday's origins, traditions
USA Today
3 days ago
- General
- USA Today
What is Eid al-Adha? Why is it celebrated? The Islamic holiday explained
What is Eid al-Adha? Why is it celebrated? The Islamic holiday explained Eid al-Adha, a period of "communal enjoyment" for Muslims worldwide, is officially underway. Over two billion Muslims are currently, or preparing, to celebrate the "Feast of Sacrifice," a major Islamic holiday that commemorates a profound act of faith. The festival, which spans a couple of days, is marked by prayer, the ritual sacrifice of animals and feasts. One of the most significant and well-known traditions is Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, which every Muslim has to do once in their lifetime. "Just as Christians perform the communion in honor of the sacrifice of Jesus [Christ] and they have bread and wine together, the flesh and blood of Jesus. Muslims do this sacrifice in honor of the sacrifice of Abraham, of his son, which is either Isaac or Ishmael," Mohsen Goudarzi, assistant professor of Islamic Studies at the Harvard Divinity School, said in a Thursday interview with USA TODAY. Here's what to know about the Islamic holiday, including when and how it is celebrated. What is the significance of Eid al-Adha? And when is it celebrated? Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Abraham's commitment to his faith, as he was "willing" to sacrifice his son. Traditionally known as Ishmael, because God asked him to. God intervened at the last moment, presenting a ram to be sacrificed in the son's place. Eid al-Adha, regardless of the day, always falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final and most sacred month of the Islamic calendar. This year's "Feast of Sacrifice," specifically the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, began at sunset on June 5, authorities in Saudi Arabia recently confirmed to Al-Jazeera. The date provided by the Saudi Arabian government holds relevance to those who are making the Hajj. Stories of identity across the country: Sign up for USA TODAY's This is America newsletter. "Around the world, people do [observe] this far from Mecca, they just face the Meccan sanctuary during their prayers and rituals," Goudarzi said. Muslims who are not participating in the Hajj, or holy trip, typically observe Eid al-Adha starting June 6. The date of Eid al-Adha may also vary from country to country. "If people in Iran, for example, or in Indonesia or in Pakistan, their government can say, 'You know what the 10th day is this Friday. And so, this is the day when we come together, those who are not going to Mecca, which is the vast majority of the public,'" Goudarzi said. "They would get to define which day is the festival." More news: D-Day in photos: See historic images from the Normandy landings How do Muslims observe Eid al-Adha? Though devotion plays an important role in how Muslims observe Eid al-Adha, there is also room to come together and have fun. "The whole festival is very much geared towards communal enjoyment," Goudarzi said. While the day may start off with a special prayer service at a mosque, Muslims make time to visit with loved ones on the "Feast of Sacrifice," exchanging greetings, gifts "Eidi" and food, including homemade sweets. Muslims also follow the way of the Prophet Muhammad, also known as Sunnah on Islam, by engaging in certain practices on Eid. (Sunnah is followed every day, not only on Eid.) Some of these practices include taking a bath or shower in the morning, wearing one's best clothes and perfume, taking a different path home from attending Eid prayer, or saying 'Takbeer' ("Takbir") to praise God on the way to Eid prayers. Those with the means may present a Qurbani, or animal sacrifice, comparable to the sacrifice that Prophet Abraham was willing to make. Goats, cows, sheep, lambs and camels are some of the animals permitted to be sacrificed. "If you can afford it, you can perform the sacrifices, or have some people perform the sacrifice on your behalf and distribute the meat, either for yourself and for charitable purposes," Goudarzi said. While the participation in the Qurbani and the consumption of the Qurbani is not required, it is encouraged. The meat from the Qurbani is split three ways: one-third for you and yours, one-third for family and friends and one-third for the needy. Some Muslims go to slaughterhouses that practice zabiha, the prescribed method of slaughter for halal animals for their Qurbani sacrifice or donate to charities that distribute meats to communities affected by food insecurity. "Generally, the highlight is really the 10th day, when you go to a mosque, oftentimes the big mosque in your town or city, and you perform the rituals and you come together and so on," Goudarzi said. "It does have a very festive atmosphere." Contributing: Mariyam Muhammad, The Columbus Dispatch, part of the USA TODAY Network
Indianapolis Star
3 days ago
- General
- Indianapolis Star
What is Eid al-Adha? Why is it celebrated? The Islamic holiday explained
Eid al-Adha, a period of "communal enjoyment" for Muslims worldwide, is officially underway. Over two billion Muslims are currently, or preparing, to celebrate the "Feast of Sacrifice," a major Islamic holiday that commemorates a profound act of faith. The festival, which spans a couple of days, is marked by prayer, the ritual sacrifice of animals and feasts. One of the most significant and well-known traditions is Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, which every Muslim has to do once in their lifetime. "Just as Christians perform the communion in honor of the sacrifice of Jesus [Christ] and they have bread and wine together, the flesh and blood of Jesus. Muslims do this sacrifice in honor of the sacrifice of Abraham, of his son, which is either Isaac or Ishmael," Mohsen Goudarzi, assistant professor of Islamic Studies at the Harvard Divinity School, said in a Thursday interview with USA TODAY. Here's what to know about the Islamic holiday, including when and how it is celebrated. Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Abraham's commitment to his faith, as he was "willing" to sacrifice his son. Traditionally known as Ishmael, because God asked him to. God intervened at the last moment, presenting a ram to be sacrificed in the son's place. Eid al-Adha, regardless of the day, always falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final and most sacred month of the Islamic calendar. This year's "Feast of Sacrifice," specifically the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, began at sunset on June 5, authorities in Saudi Arabia recently confirmed to Al-Jazeera. The date provided by the Saudi Arabian government holds relevance to those who are making the Hajj. "Around the world, people do [observe] this far from Mecca, they just face the Meccan sanctuary during their prayers and rituals," Goudarzi said. Muslims who are not participating in the Hajj, or holy trip, typically observe Eid al-Adha starting June 6. The date of Eid al-Adha may also vary from country to country. "If people in Iran, for example, or in Indonesia or in Pakistan, their government can say, 'You know what the 10th day is this Friday. And so, this is the day when we come together, those who are not going to Mecca, which is the vast majority of the public,'" Goudarzi said. "They would get to define which day is the festival." More news: D-Day in photos: See historic images from the Normandy landings Though devotion plays an important role in how Muslims observe Eid al-Adha, there is also room to come together and have fun. "The whole festival is very much geared towards communal enjoyment," Goudarzi said. While the day may start off with a special prayer service at a mosque, Muslims make time to visit with loved ones on the "Feast of Sacrifice," exchanging greetings, gifts "Eidi" and food, including homemade sweets. Muslims also follow the way of the Prophet Muhammad, also known as Sunnah on Islam, by engaging in certain practices on Eid. (Sunnah is followed every day, not only on Eid.) Some of these practices include taking a bath or shower in the morning, wearing one's best clothes and perfume, taking a different path home from attending Eid prayer, or saying 'Takbeer' ("Takbir") to praise God on the way to Eid prayers. Those with the means may present a Qurbani, or animal sacrifice, comparable to the sacrifice that Prophet Abraham was willing to make. Goats, cows, sheep, lambs and camels are some of the animals permitted to be sacrificed. "If you can afford it, you can perform the sacrifices, or have some people perform the sacrifice on your behalf and distribute the meat, either for yourself and for charitable purposes," Goudarzi said. While the participation in the Qurbani and the consumption of the Qurbani is not required, it is encouraged. The meat from the Qurbani is split three ways: one-third for you and yours, one-third for family and friends and one-third for the needy. Some Muslims go to slaughterhouses that practice zabiha, the prescribed method of slaughter for halal animals for their Qurbani sacrifice or donate to charities that distribute meats to communities affected by food insecurity. "Generally, the highlight is really the 10th day, when you go to a mosque, oftentimes the big mosque in your town or city, and you perform the rituals and you come together and so on," Goudarzi said. "It does have a very festive atmosphere."
Boston Globe
3 days ago
- Politics
- Boston Globe
International Harvard students are stunned by Trump's latest edict. One doesn't know what to say to his grandmother, who sold her farm to get from Kenya to Cambridge.
Advertisement 'Singling out our institution for its enrollment of international students and its collaboration with other educational institutions around the world is yet another illegal step taken by the Administration to retaliate against Harvard,' president Alan Garber added in a message to the Harvard community. Still, many on campus and in the broader academic world are stunned by the series of attacks from Trump, and wondering what could possibly blunt the fallout. It's also caused aftershocks around the globe, from Austria to East Africa. The hardest thing Magaga Enos has ever done is tell his grandmother, who sold her land and cattle in Kenya to help pay for his education, that he now might not be able to go to Harvard after all. Advertisement Enos, 33, has his visa ready and his plane ticket booked. He's been planning to pursue a master's degree in education leadership, and was supposed to leave for the United States on July 4. Enos woke up Thursday to a text from a friend sharing the news, followed by crying emojis in a WhatsApp chat of fellow international students. It took a minute for everything to sink in, and he then struggled over what to say to his grandmother, who now lives with Enos outside Nairobi, along with his wife and three children. 'I find I don't have the right words or know how to decode this, to place it in a language that she can understand,' Enos said. Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal was in Bangkok and had just recently received the congratulatory email from Harvard Divinity School confirming his acceptance. 'I was preparing everything — including plans to schedule my visa interview in the next day or two," he said. Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal was in Bangkok and had just received the official congratulatory email from Harvard Divinity School confirming his acceptance when he learned of the Trump administration's latest restrictions on international students at Harvard. Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal Harvard student body co-president Abdullah Shahid Sial, a rising junior from Pakistan, awoke in Lahore to a buzzing phone before heading to a local market to prepare for Eid al-Adha, the Muslim holiday. 'The entire situation is extremely blurry,' Sial said, as a sacrificial goat bleated in the background. Studying at Harvard on full financial aid is 'perhaps the best thing that ever happened to me — not just me, but also my family,' he added. 'I've heard the phrase, 'It takes a village,' and for me, it was that: It took an entire village to send me, and make me capable enough, to attend Harvard from Pakistan.' Advertisement Harvard student Abdullah Shahid Sial spoke at a rally in Cambridge in April. Erin Clark/Globe Staff For many of these students, getting accepted into Harvard isn't just the dream of a lifetime, or one lifetime; it's the culmination of several lifetimes of financial and emotional investment. Enos has dedicated his life to supporting education of girls from vulnerable communities in Kenya. He was raised by a single mother who gave birth at 16 after being pulled out of seventh grade and 'forcefully married.' His mother's story is what 'strengthened my conviction to support girls' access to college education,' he said. Enos's grandmother further bolstered that conviction with the $3,000 she put toward his tuition. It was a major sacrifice for her, yet still a fraction of the total cost of his graduate education: $101,974. To get there, Enos is also counting on $54,000 in financial aid from Harvard and a friend's commitment to cover the rest. Enos also raised around $2,200 Such sacrifices are not uncommon, said Dan Berger, an immigration lawyer in Northampton. However, that investment is now at risk as the federal government continues to find new ways to target international students: travel to the United States from 19 countries. 'In August, will Harvard still have an active F-1 student program?,' Berger said. When students with valid visas fly into the United States, will their SEVIS records be active? 'That's what we don't know,' he said. Advertisement The federal government has a lot of power, and 'the amount of power they have is going to be worked out in court cases over the next couple months,' he added. Meanwhile, Trump has threatened Columbia University's accreditation, despite winning significant concessions from the school. Some observers say that suggeststhere is little chance any dispute can be settled at the bargaining table. 'There is no path to negotiation,' said financing expert and former Harvard budget officer Larry Ladd. 'The [Trump] administration is unreliable and inconsistent. Their demands are vague, and you can't be sure that what they say they will agree to, they will agree to. Columbia is Exhibit A.' In this climate, the students themselves have little choice but to wait and worry. Other students could decide not to come at all, said rising Harvard junior Karl Molden, who was in Vienna when he got the news. 'I think it's going to be really deterring for a lot of international students who might just be scared to get arrested at the border if they try to get into the US,' said Molden. 'Certainly I'm also scared.' Students headed to the Harvard Kennedy School's Ash Center to learn about democracy are wondering if they should even sign a lease here. 'If you have a family and kids and want to move them here, you're reluctant to take that risk,' said Archon Fung, the center's director. For Maya Jasanoff, a Harvard history professor whose department is — for now, at least — made up largely of students and staff from around the globe, it's upending what they believe is the university's mission. Advertisement 'It's completely baffling to me. Do we want to raise a generation of Americans who have no encounters with the outside world? Who don't learn foreign languages? Who don't engage with anything beyond the shores of this country?' said Jasanoff. 'And if so, what kind of future does that mean for the United States?' In his message Thursday, Garber said that 'contingency plans are being developed to ensure that international students and scholars can continue to pursue their work at Harvard this summer and through the coming academic year.' In Kenya, Enos said it's been heartening to hear from Magaga Enos and his grandmother. Magaga Enos When he struggled to find the right words in his native language of Luo to explain the situation to his grandmother, those messages from Harvard helped; his wife translated and read them aloud to his grandmother, and they brought her hope. 'So I have decided to cling on to that hope that things will go well if you work hard,' he said. 'I want Americans to know that we are not just statistics or pawns in a political fight. We are future leaders, scientists, teachers, and bridge builders. And we chose Harvard.' Giulia McDonnell Nieto del Rio of the Globe staff contributed to this report. Brooke Hauser can be reached at
Boston Globe
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Harvard, grad who sued university over handling of antisemitism settle case
The settlement brings to a close a legal fight that made Kestenbaum a prominent Jewish voice speaking out against Harvard, which he and other students alleged in the lawsuit had 'become a bastion of rampant anti-Jewish hatred and harassment.' It came amid the conflagration on campus over protest, free speech, and antisemitism in the wake of the 2023 Hamas-led attack, and Israel's retaliatory campaign in Gaza. Kestenbaum, who graduated from the Harvard Divinity School last year, was among a cohort of six Jewish students who pursued litigation against Harvard when he sued in January of 2024. The others Advertisement But Kestenbaum persisted. Over the course of his advocacy, he gained a national profile that saw him, a self-described former progressive and registered Democrat, speak at the 2024 Republican National Convention. He believes his efforts have made institutions of higher education better for Jewish students, he said in a Friday WhatsApp message. Advertisement 'I'd like to think that our fight these last 16 months have made it clear to Harvard and the country that Jewish Americans are not 'others,'' Kestenbaum wrote to the Globe. 'We are not only Americans, but deeply proud to be so as well. This country has given us so much and we will not allow elitist institutions to corrupt President Washington's vision that bigotry will be given no sanction and persecution no assistance.' The settlement comes as the federal government has slashed billions in funding for Harvard over university leadership's refusal to follow demands from the Trump administration to give it vastly more sway over university life, purportedly to protect Jewish students. President Trump has also threatened to strip Harvard of tax-exempt status. In My statement on recent developments at Harvard: Since October 7, I have been fortunate to help lead the student effort combating antisemitism within institutions of higher learning across the country, including by suing my alma mater in one of the first post-October 7… — Shabbos Kestenbaum (@ShabbosK) Spencer Buell can be reached at
