By William Madouk
National Ministry of Labor has announced a three-day public holiday across the country to mark the festivity of Muslims’ Eid al-Adha.
Undersecretary at the Ministry of Labor, Ms. Mary Hillary Wani, said the holiday will begin on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, and end on Friday, June 30, 2023.
That would be followed by two days for the weekends, which means the work will resume on Monday, July 3, 2023.
“The national ministry of labor hereby informs all the civil service institutions, commissions, diplomatic missions, UN agencies, international and national non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the public at large that Eid El Adha commences on Wednesday,” a statement from the ministry reads.
Each year Muslims gather for the occasion that commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son at the command of God. Ibrahim was eventually given a lamb to sacrifice instead.
One of the central customs of Eid al-Adha is the sacrifice of an animal, such as a goat, sheep, or cow.
Eid al-Adha usually begins on the last day of the Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
It is the second Islamic festival of the year, and follows Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.
The festivities began with congregational prayers at local mosques and prayer grounds. Muslims dressed in their finest attire gathered to offer prayers, seeking blessings and forgiveness.
The sermons delivered during these prayers emphasize the importance of sacrifice, unity, and compassion towards others. It is a time for reflection and gratitude for the blessings received.
Following the prayers, families and friends exchange warm greetings and well wishes. They visit each other’s homes, embracing the spirit of togetherness and strengthening the bonds of kinship.
The date of Eid al-Adha changes annually, as it is determined by the Islamic calendar. The twelfth and final month, known as Dhul Hijjah, is significant for Muslims as it is when the majority of them embark on the Hajj pilgrimage.
Eid al-Adha occurs on the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah, and Muslims worldwide commemorate this occasion with great enthusiasm and splendor.