By Cameron Weston
MUSLIMS from around the western suburbs and further afield came together in Newport last week for one of Islam’s most important celebrations.
The Eid-ul-Adha festival is celebrated by Muslims worldwide, and commemorates the Old Testament account of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) showing his willingness to sacrifice his son to God.
God asked Ibrahim to sacrifice his son but then spared the boy, allowing Ibrahim to sacrifice a sheep instead. But the act of faith is celebrated by Muslims, for whom Ibrahim is an important figure.
The festival also coincides with the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca that is a cornerstone of the Islamic faith.
Festival organiser Mohammed Houli said between 8000 and 10,000 people attended the festival, an event designed to be a family day out as much as an act of religious observance.
“It is a chance for everyone to come together and celebrate,” he said.
“The kids can have fun and really enjoy good fun in a beautiful environment. It’s a real family day.”
Mr Houli said Muslims drew great inspiration from Ibrahim’s gesture, and along with the Eid-ul-Fitr festival, which concludes the holy month of Ramadan, the Eid-ul-Adha festival was a special time on the Islamic calendar.
“It is an important time of worship,” he said. “We need to remember what Ibrahim did – it was an important gesture showing obedience to God.”
