Eid Ul Adha Ottawa: Eid is the time of the year that brings joy to the global Muslim community.

Not long ago we celebrated the end of Ramadan with Eid ul-Fitr. And now we are quickly approaching another blessed ocassion.

It is joyous moment that brings us peace and happiness. One of the best moments of this celebration is the congregational prayer, a great opportunity to join the rest of the Muslim community to enjoy the spirit of Eid ul-Adha.

Here is the official announcement from the Imams Council of Ottawa-Gatineau:

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

Dhul Qa’dah 29 1440 / August 01, 2019
Eid Al-Adha (1440 – 2019) Announcement

All praise is for Allah Almighty. May the peace and blessing be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family, the faithful companions, and those who follow them.

The Council of Imams of Ottawa-Gatineau is pleased to inform the community that based on the criteria of global moon sighting, the 1st of Dhul Hijjah will be on Friday, August 2, and Eid Al-Adha will be celebrated on Sunday, August 11, insha’Allah. The Council of Imams encourages community members to observe fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah, which will be on Saturday, August 10 insha’Allah.

On behalf of the Muslim community of Ottawa-Gatineau, the Council extends its best wishes to all Canadians and Muslims on these auspicious days of Hajj and Eid Al-Adha. The Council calls upon Canadians and Muslims to make a greater effort to help those in need, here at home and around the world, particularly by sharing meat from Eid Al-Adha sacrifices and by supporting local food banks.

Let us celebrate the Eid in the spirit of inclusion, forgiveness, reconciliation and sharing not only within the families and friends but right across our country.

The Council of Imams of Ottawa-Gatineau (CIOG)

Signed by the Council members (in alphabetical order):

Imam Ahmad Limame – Outaouais Islamic Centre
Imam Anver Malam – Jami Omar
Imam Ismail Albatnuni – AMA (Masjid ar-Rahmah)
Imam Mohammed Badat – Masjid Bilal
Imam Owais Tilly – Jami Omar
Imam Samy Metwally – Islamic Society of Gloucester
Imam Sikander Hashmi – Kanata Muslim Association
Imam Zijad Delic – SNMC

This statement is also endorsed by the following members of UMO-OG (United Muslim Organizations of Ottawa-Gatineau).

Ottawa Muslim Association
Islamic Society of Sandy Hill
Islam Care Centre
The Mosque of Aylmer

Time and Location of the Eid Prayers

We are planning to hold two  Eid prayers. Stay tuned to the timings of the prayers and details regarding the Eid celebration.

With best wishes,
The AMA Team

P.S. We also would like to encourage the community to observe fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah, which will be on Saturday, August 10 insha Allah.

What Do People Do?

Eid al-Adha is celebrated in Muslim communities throughout Canada around the 10th to the 13th days of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah (or Dhul Hijja). It is a time marked by special prayers and many Muslims gather for special prayer services. Many people also visit family and friends, exchange greetings and gifts, and make donations to the poor and needy. Eid al-Adha is also a time for forgiveness and compassion.

The Muslim Association of Canada (MAC) holds Eid festivals to celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The Eid Festivals offer celebrations including a carnival of fun rides, shows, sport tournaments and various international cuisines. Thousands of people, including key leaders, often attend these events. Some politicians publicly announce their best wishes to those celebrating Eid al-Adha. Festivities can last for up to a few days.

Eid al-Adha follows from the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. This pilgrimage applies to Muslims worldwide, as they are required to perform the Hajj once in their lives. Some Muslims in Canada may travel to Mecca prior to Eid al-Adha to make this pilgrimage. Eid al-Adha is known as the Feast of Sacrifice because it traditionally includes the sacrifice of an animal permitted for food (eg. a lamb) as an act of thanksgiving for God’s mercy. Some of the food is donated for charitable purposes.

Public Life

Eid al-Adha is not a nationwide public holiday in Canada. However, some Islamic organizations may be closed or offer a reduced level of service and there may be some local traffic congestion around mosques and venues where Eid al-Adha celebrations are held.

Background

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice or Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates accomplishment.  Eid al-Adha also serves as a reminder of when Ibrahim (Abraham) was willing to sacrifice his son to God, according to Islamic belief.