By Ali Abdullahi
WASHINGTON (Islam
Online) – It was exactly two months and ten days ago when the Washington,
D.C., metropolitan area Muslims celebrated Eid al-Fitr, the jubilee end of
Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.
But yesterday thousands
of Muslims gathered at the Capital Expo Center in Chantilly, Virginia, to
celebrated the second Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha, which follows the annual
pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) with the sacrifice of rams in commemoration of
Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH)
About 15,000 people
turned out at Eid prayers in the Expo center. The prayers followed by carnival
events were sponsored by the three biggest Islamic centers in the region: Dar
Al-Hijrah, the All-Dulles Area Muslim Society (Adams) Center (both in the
Northern Virginia suburbs), and Masjid Muhammad in downtown Washington.
“It is another
memorable occasion for the Muslims community here in northern Virginia
celebrating, Eid Al-Adha. We have had between 15 to 20 thousand Muslim
brothers and sisters here today. Imam Siraj Wahaj from New York is in the
area, as our honorable Imam for the Eid prayers,” said Imam Mohammed Magid,
director of the Adams Center.
In his sermon, Imam
Wahaj appealed to the Muslim community and the Muslim Ummah to be pious and
more unified.
“We should be good
Muslims, emulating Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH), who was willing to sacrifice his
son Ismail. And our children should be like Ismail, obeying his father for
Allah,” said Imam Wahaj.
People dressed up in
their best for the Eid, prepared their favorite national desserts, and the
celebration will last for four days.
To accommodate
everyone, two prayers were held, at 9am and 10am. After prayers, organizers
put together a multicultural bazaar to express the many nations of Islam.
The colorful bazaar
featured rides and games for children, Islamic books and clothing, and foods
from different Muslim cultures. The carnival featured moonbounces, a
merry-go-round, clowns, a magic show, cotton candy, popcorn and many more
amusements that lasted throughout the day.
