The Feast of Sacrifice is a tribute to the Prophet Abraham for his unwavering obedience to God as exemplified by his readiness to sacrifice his son. The story of Abraham, whom Muslims call Ibrahim, is told both in the Bible and in the Qur'an.
Christianity says the sacrificial son, whom God replaced with a ram, was Isaac; for Muslims it was Ismael.
Muslims gather at the mosque at first light to pray together and listen to the sermon. From first light until dawn, they repeat this prayer:
Allah is the greatest
He is the only God
Allah is the greatest
We are thankful for him
The community is encouraged to think about its responsibilities and obligations towards Allah, and good works, kindness, mercy and generosity towards their fellow Muslims and humanity as a whole. At the conclusion of the prayers and sermon, the Muslims embrace and exchange greetings with one other, give gifts to children, and visit one another.
Later on the day of the festival, each family who can afford to, sacrifices a sheep, goat, lamb, cow, or camel which must be slaughtered in the prescribed way.
The meat is divided is to be shared with relatives, friends and neighbours, the poor. A wealthy family may sacrifice a second animal for distribution entirely to the poor. It is an important practice of Islam for the community to see that no impoverished person is left without an opportunity to take part in the sacrificial meal during these days.
For the young boys in Rabat, it is an opportunity to build fires in the street to roast the sheep's head and feet.
Slaughter of so many sheep results in an abundance of skins, which do not go to waste...
The commercial opportunities of the Feast have not escaped the notice of the marketers...
...or of the school.
Our mixed grill.
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