festival of faith, sacrifice and shared humanity
Eid-ul-Adha , also known as the’ Festival of Sacrifice’, is one of the most significant festivals celebrated by millions of Muslims across the world, including the Muslim community in Sri Lanka. It falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, symbolising the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage – one of the five pillars of Islam.
It also commemorates the profound story of Prophet Ibrahim (Peace Be Upon Him), whom Almighty Allah tested for his unwavering faith by commanding him to offer a great sacrifice. In Islamic tradition, Eid-ul- Adha is observed through communal prayers, acts of charity, and the ritual sacrifice, carrying messages that transcend religious boundaries.
The core values of Eid-ul-Adha — faith, selflessness, compassion, and generosity – are universal. These principles resonate deeply with the teachings of many faiths in Sri Lanka, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity. The notion of sacrifice for the greater good, sharing with the less fortunate, and embodying humility and gratitude is integral to the moral fabric of all religious traditions. This makes Eid not just a Muslim festival but an opportunity for all Sri Lankans to reflect on shared values and interconnected lives, especially in a nation with such rich cultural and religious diversity.
Sri Lanka is home to a tapestry of communities – Sinhalese, Tamils, Burghers, Malays and others – each contributing uniquely to the nation’s heritage. Festivals like Eid-ul-Adha offer a vital platform for interfaith engagement and mutual respect. Public recognition of religious festivals across all communities not only affirms the freedom of religious expression but also helps bridge cultural divides. Celebrating Eid-ul-Adha in public discourse and national consciousness underscores the importance of inclusion, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence.
One of the most striking features of Eid-ul-Adha is the emphasis on charity. The distribution of meat ensures that no one is left behind during the celebration, particularly the economically marginalised. This ethos of caring for the less fortunate is a reminder of our collective responsibility to build an inclusive and equitable society. In the Sri Lanka context, where communities have endured natural disasters, economic crises, and social unrest, the spirit of Eid fosters solidarity and collective healing.
There are many examples and authentic incidents from the life of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and his teachings that emphasise social and communal harmony, as well as the importance of respecting other religions and faiths with dignity. The Prophet Muhammad said, “You are not a believer until you love for your brother what you love for yourself” (Sahih – al-Bukhari). A distinguished Egyptian Islamic scholar Imam Ahmed Shihab -Al-Deen-Al Qastallani, who specialised in hadith and theology, explains in his voluminous commentary that the word ‘brother’ used by the Prophet is not limited to Muslims alone – it includes people of all faiths. According to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him), “Allah, the Almighty, will shower His mercy on you, if you show mercy towards all living beings on this earth” (Sahih -al – Bukhari, Volume 9, Book 93, Hadith 473). Holy Qu’ran also describes (Surah Al-Anbia, 21:107) that prophet Muhammad was sent by Almighty Allah as a “mercy to all creation – human, animals and the universe at large. His mercy, compassion and kindness were shown to each and everyone.
Eid –ul-Adha is more than just a religious event; it is a call to reflect on the values that bind us – sacrifice for others, helping those in need, and nurturing relationships beyond our immediate circles. It is a celebration of enduring values that resonate with all humanity. In a multicultural island like Sri Lanka, where communities live side by side, such festivals offer hope and a shared moral compass.
Muslims gather at mosques and open grounds such as Galle Face Green for Eid prayers and warmly open their homes to neighbours and friends of all communities, sharing festive meals with their families. Let this Eid not only be the celebration for the Muslim community but a collective reminder to all Sri Lankans that in embracing our differences, we grow stronger together.
Eid Mubarak.
May this Eid-ul-Adha bring peace, prosperity, and unity to our beautiful island nation. May this Eid inspire us all – regardless of faith – to deepen our compassion, strengthen our solidarity, and commit ourselves anew to peace and harmony. In a multicultural society, let us celebrate not just the traditions, but also the unity that defines us as Sri Lankans.
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