Muslims around the world celebrated Eid-ul-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, with prayers, food, and expressions of solidarity, especially for those affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict. Eid-ul-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s test of faith and involves the ritual slaughtering of livestock to distribute meat to the poor. This celebration also coincides with the final rites of the Hajj pilgrimage. Here’s a look at how different countries observed Eid-ul-Adha 2024 Celebration.
Indonesia
Celebration Date: Monday, June 17, 2024
In Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, worshippers gathered for communal prayers in Jakarta, where preachers called for prayers for Gaza. Yogyakarta’s “gunungan,” where people scrambled for food offerings believed to bring good luck, and East Java’s “manten sapi,” where people dress and parade sacrificial cows before handing them over for sacrifice, were two unique traditions.
Malaysia
Celebration Date: Monday, June 17, 2024
In Malaysia, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim joined thousands of congregants for morning prayers at a mosque near his office in Putrajaya. In Selayang, Muslim workers performed their prayers at a wholesale market. Anwar emphasized living a life of simplicity and humility, drawing from the lessons of Hajj.
India
Celebration Date: Monday, June 17, 2024
Indian Muslims, who make up 14% of the population, celebrated Eid-ul-Adha with prayers at the historic Jama Masjid in New Delhi. Families gathered early, shared hugs and wishes, and engaged in bargaining for goats with street merchants. Prayers, feasts, and charitable activities marked the occasion across India.
Bangladesh
Celebration Date: Monday, June 17, 2024
In Bangladesh, over 400,000 devotees prayed at a large congregation in Kishoreganj, while 35,000 people gathered at the Supreme Court grounds in Dhaka. Prayers for a peaceful world and the slaughter of millions of cattle for distribution to the poor marked the day.
Pakistan
Celebration Date: Monday, June 17, 2024
Pakistan observed Eid-ul-Adha with traditional fervor. Major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad hosted large prayer gatherings. Families and communities came together to perform the ritual sacrifice of animals, with the meat distributed to relatives, friends, and the needy. They offered special prayers for peace and prosperity in the region.
Saudi Arabia
Celebration Date: Sunday, June 16, 2024
In Saudi Arabia, the celebration coincided with the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage. Pilgrims and residents offered prayers at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. Animal sacrifices, communal prayers, and festive meals marked the day. The occasion was also an opportunity for pilgrims to complete their religious duties.
Middle East
Celebration Date: Sunday, June 16, 2024
In the Middle East, countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan celebrated Eid-ul-Adha on June 16. Mosques and open spaces held large congregational prayers, followed by the ritual slaughter of livestock. Family gatherings, feasts, and charitable activities marked the celebrations, with a strong emphasis on helping those in need. Special prayers for peace and stability in the region were a common theme in sermons and public addresses.
African Countries
Celebration Date: Sunday, June 16, 2024
African countries such as Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa celebrated Eid-ul-Adha with communal prayers and livestock sacrifices. Large gatherings took place in mosques and public spaces in Egypt. South African Muslims gathered in cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg for prayers and festivities, emphasizing community support and charity.
East Asia
Celebration Date: Sunday, June 16, 2024
In countries like China and Japan, Muslims observed Eid-ul-Adha with prayers and the sacrifice of livestock. In China, communities gathered in mosques and open spaces for prayers, followed by feasts and charity events. Japanese Muslims held similar observances, focusing on prayer, community, and charity.
South-East Asia
Celebration Date: Monday, June 17, 2024
People observed Eid-ul-Adha with communal prayers and the ritual sacrifice of animals in countries like Thailand and the Philippines. Muslims in these countries gathered in mosques and open fields, sharing meals and engaging in charitable activities to help the needy.
Australia
Celebration Date: Sunday, June 16, 2024
In Australia, Muslims celebrated Eid-ul-Adha with prayers at mosques and Islamic centers across the country. Social gatherings, feasts, and the distribution of meat to the less fortunate marked the festival. Despite not being a public holiday, the day saw significant participation from the Muslim community.
Russia
Celebration Date: Sunday, June 16, 2024
In Russia, Muslims celebrated Eid-ul-Adha with large gatherings in cities like Moscow and Kazan. The celebrations included communal prayers, the sacrifice of animals, and the distribution of meat to the poor. Many Muslims participated in charitable activities, marking the day with a spirit of community and charity.
Western Countries
Celebration Date: Monday, June 16, 2024
Muslims in Western countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and European countries, celebrated Eid-ul-Adha on June 16. Communities organized prayer gatherings in mosques, Islamic centers, and open fields. Communal prayers, family gatherings, and charitable activities marked the day, emphasizing the importance of sharing and caring for the less fortunate.
Takeaway
Eid-ul-Adha is a significant Islamic holiday celebrated with reverence and joy across the globe. In 2024, Muslims in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Middle Eastern nations, African countries, South-East Asia, East Asia, Russia, and Western countries observed the festival on either June 16 or 17, depending on their location. The celebrations highlighted cultural traditions, the spirit of sacrifice, and a sense of community, while also showing solidarity with those in conflict zones like Gaza. This global observance of Eid-ul-Adha underscores the unity and diversity of the Muslim world.
