“Eid al-Adha is a chance for the family to gather but we should also think of those who are far away”
Muslims in B&H and around the world celebrate today one of the biggest holidays – Eid al-Adha whose basic characteristic is family gathering and bonding.
The deputy of the Grand Mufti in B&H, Husein Smajić spoke about tradition and customs of the Bosnian Muslims during this holiday and added that this holiday is being celebrated today in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt as well.
Smajić reminded that Eid al-Adha has double meaning: it’s the Feast of the sacrifice and the day of the Hajj – this year, around 1200 pilgrims from B&H went to Kaaba.
“Following the BH tradition, around 40 minutes after the sun comes up, grownup men are praying the Eid al-Adha prayer and after that they go to the cemeteries to visit their closest ones who are no longer among us, their parents, grandparents, friends, all those who did something nice for us once or simply – all those we care about.” – said Smajić.
After that, traditionally, it’s time to go home and be with our families. We gather and greet each other. The youngest receive presents while women set a rich table with food.
Traditional ritual
“It’s a chance for the family to gather and from time to time friends or acquaintances are being invited too. Then it’s time to go and slaughter kurbans. That’s the custom of the first day while the second and the third day the meat is being given to those who need it most; primarily children, friends and acquaintances and the poor, as well as neighbours and those who live near us but we should also remember those who are far from us.” – said Husein Smajić.
He emphasizes that the obligation of all Muslims celebrating Eid al-Adha is to remember the homeless and all those who don’t have a chance to eat meat every day. That’s why during this holiday they should “feel that this is not only a Muslim holiday, it’s everyone’s holiday” so everyone should receive a piece of meat as a sign of attention and good neighbourly and human relations.
One third of the meat belongs to the one who slaughtered the animal, although this piece of meat, according to the Islamic practices, can also be given to others.
Husein Smajić pointed out that the Islamic community has a special role during this holiday since it’s organizing for the past 40 years the ritual of slaughtering kurbans around B&H.
“We give around half of the meat to Red cross, health institutions, soup kitchens, even prisons. Lately we are trying to deliver a good part of the meet to our fellow citizens refugees, especially in Eastern Bosnia” – said Smajić.
(Source: Depo)
