Eidul Azha being marked amid financial constraints across Middle East, Europe, US

The Hajj season in 2023 began on Monday. On the third day of the pilgrimage, Muslims celebrate Eid

(Web Desk) – Muslims across the Middle East and many regions and countries are preparing to celebrate Eidul Azha on Wednesday despite the hardships many are facing. The spirit of the holiday remains strong in the Arab region, with many countries holding traditional events and festivals.

More than 2.5 million Hajj pilgrims and Muslims in Saudi Arabia marked Eidul Azha on Wednesday.

The Hajj season in 2023 began on Monday. On the third day of the pilgrimage, Muslims celebrate Eidul Azha. On this day, Muslims celebrate by sacrificing an animal, most commonly a sheep, to symbolize Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son upon Allah’s command. Seeing his devotion, Allah sent instead a sheep for Ibrahim to sacrifice. Despite the economic crises and armed conflicts in the region, Muslims are determined to celebrate Eid.

In the Palestinian territories and Egypt, scores of worshippers filled mosques, while families wandered decorated streets and public gardens. In Syria, where years of war have devastated the economy, charities in Damascus have mobilized efforts to help the less fortunate.

Arab pilgrims poured into neighboring Lebanon, coinciding with Eid, as Beirut International Airport sees heavy traffic on the eve of the holiday. According to the state National News Agency, some 356,203 visitors have arrived in the small Mediterranean country since the beginning of June. They are expected to bring much-needed cash into a country that has been reeling under a crippling economic and financial crisis. Officials are expecting more than $9 billion in tourism revenues this year.

Eidul Azha is being celebrated across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with prayers and greetings. After the meetings and greetings of the Eid prayers in the morning, men headed to abattoirs and got started with the sacrifice of their animals.

Iran, Iraq, Qatar and other countries in the Middle East also have been marking Eidul Azha on Wednesday.

Eidul Azha is celebrated in remembrance of the devotion and faithfulness of Prophet Ibrahim to Allah.

Meanwhile, Palestinians in Gaza will go without food and gifts as Eidul Azha celebrations commenced on Wednesday.

تكبيرات عيد #الأضحى المبارك تصدح في المصلى القبلي من المسجد #الأقصى، عقب صلاة فجر اليوم.#فلسطين pic.twitter.com/th8GydVVQt

— الحملة العالمية للعودة إلى فلسطين - GCRP (@return_ar) June 27, 2023

With a population of over 2.3 million, many of whom are already living in poverty, the increase in prices has made it impossible for them to purchase sheep and cows for the festive occasion.

In the past, a sheep would cost no more than $200 to $300, but now the price has skyrocketed to over $600. Similarly, the cost of a cow for sacrifice during Eid has reached around $2000.

Animal merchants, on the other hand, are fearful of hefty financial loss due to weak purchasing power and the high prices.

Muslims across the United States, Canada and Europe have also been marking Eidul Azha on Wednesday. It was not a public holiday in the US and most offices remained open. Some Muslims offer the sacrifices of animals, mostly goats and lambs, while some others pay for the meat to be distributed among the poor in some poor countries.

Meanwhile, Afghans have also been celebrating Eidul Azha on Wednesday.

In his Eid message, Afghan Taliban Emir Mullah Hibbatullah Akhundzada slammed Israel's "brutal act" against Palestinians, and urged the world not to interfere in Afghanistan's internal affairs, “just as we do not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.”

On the decree of Taliban supreme leader, 2,178 prisoners were freed ahead of Eidul Azha. According to a statement from the Supreme Court, at least 489 prisoners were given reprieve in their sentences on the occasion.

Afghans have been struggling to offer sacrifice amid an economic crisis and Western sanctions.

PAKISTAN

Eidul Azha will be celebrated in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore on Thursday.