(LOS ANGELES, CA – 6/26/2023) – On Wednesday, June 28, American Muslims plan to mark the end of the yearly pilgrimage to Mecca, called Hajj, with communal prayers and celebrations at locations around the country. The prayers and the holiday that follow Hajj are called Eid al-Adha or “festival of the sacrifice.”
SEE: When are Hajj and Eid al-Adha 2023?
Eid al-Adha, commonly referred to as just “Eid,” commemorates the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael at God’s command. The holiday is celebrated with prayers, small gifts for children, distribution of meat to those in need, and social gatherings. During this holiday, Muslims exchange the greeting “Eid Mubarak” or “blessed Eid.” In pre-pandemic years, some two million Muslims, including thousands of American Muslims, complete Hajj.
[NOTE: For those making the pilgrimage, the rites of Hajj continue for some time after the Eid prayers. Eid al-Fitr, which comes at the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan, is the other of the two “Eid” holidays Muslims celebrate each year.]
WHEN: On Wednesday, June 28. The prayers are held in the morning. Many communities also hold day-long Eid festivals for families.
WHERE: The Eid prayers and festivals are held either in local mosques or in public facilities designed to accommodate large gatherings. Contact CAIR-LA or other Muslim organizations for details about Eid celebrations.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: Each year at Eid al-Adha, American Muslim families attend prayers and celebrations. Many places of prayer organize children’s activities. The prayers themselves are quite visual, with worshipers arranged in neat rows and bowing in prayer in unison. Participants exchange embraces at the conclusion of the prayers.
[NOTE: Because this is a religious service, reporters and photographers should dress modestly. Photographers should arrive early to get into position for the best images. Photographers are also advised not to step directly in front of worshipers and to seek permission for close-ups.]
CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Digital Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or eelkadi@cair.com