Palestinians Observe Eid al-Adha Under Tight Restrictions in Jerusalem

Al-Aqsa Mosque Prayers Amid Restrictions

At the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem on June 16, 2024, some 40,000 Palestinians observed Eid al-Adha prayers. Despite strict restrictions imposed by Israeli police, the Islamic Endowments Department in Jerusalem reported that approximately 40,000 worshippers managed to participate in the prayers.

However, Israeli occupation forces attacked worshippers on their way to and from the mosque, preventing dozens from entering to perform Eid prayers. The heavy security presence and restrictive measures significantly impacted the ability of Palestinians to observe this important religious holiday.

Eid al-Adha Prayers at Ibrahimi Mosque

Similarly, thousands of Palestinians performed Eid al-Adha prayers at the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron despite security restrictions imposed by the Israeli army. This holiday commemorates Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son at God’s command.

The current year’s Eid al-Adha holiday occurs amid an ongoing brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip since the October 7 attack by Hamas. Nearly 37,300 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, and over 85,000 others have been injured. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is accusing Israel of genocide.

Hajj Pilgrimage and Eid Celebrations in Saudi Arabia

Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia began the final rites of Hajj, marking the start of Eid al-Adha celebrations for Muslims worldwide. The ritual, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, began with the symbolic stoning of the devil at Muzdalifa.

The pillars are located in Mina, where Muslims believe Prophet Ibrahim’s faith was tested when God commanded him to sacrifice his son Ismail. Over the next three days, pilgrims will cast seven pebbles each at three pillars, symbolizing the casting away of evil and sin.

They will also visit Mecca to perform “tawaf” (circulation) and make a “farewell tawaf” at the end of Hajj.

Symbolism and Traditions of Eid al-Adha

The rites coincide with the four-day Eid al-Adha, which means “Feast of Sacrifice.” During this period, Muslims with financial means commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s test of faith by slaughtering livestock and distributing the meat to the poor.

This year’s Hajj saw more than 1.83 million Muslims participate, slightly less than last year’s 1.84 million. The pilgrimage took place in the scorching summer of Saudi Arabia and came against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war and the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

Global Observations of Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha, celebrated by millions of Muslims worldwide, has been overshadowed by violence in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The ongoing conflict has left Gazans facing catastrophic conditions, including hunger and famine. On October 7, Hamas militants assaulted Israel, murdering 1,200 people and kidnapping about 250 more.

This marked the start of the war. More than 37,000 Palestinians have died as a result of Israel’s response, which has also left much of the land controlled by Hamas in ruins.

Economic Impact on Eid Celebrations in Nigeria

In Nigeria, the economic crisis has prevented many Muslims from celebrating Eid al-Adha as they normally would. Skyrocketing prices have made it difficult for many to afford the traditional sacrifice of livestock.

Nowadays, the average price of a ram is 100,000 naira (£50; $63), which is too expensive for many people. Muslim cleric Idris Garba Sokoto emphasized the significance of the sacrificial ritual, stating that slaughtering a ram, goat, or camel on Eid is one of the most beloved deeds a Muslim can perform for Allah.

As millions of Nigerian Muslims return from visiting the mosques, their prayers focus on hoping for better economic conditions in the future.

Senegal’s Struggle Amid Eid Celebrations

Eid al-Adha has turned into a source of anguish for many in Senegal due to skyrocketing prices, record unemployment, and growing inequalities. A fisherman from Thiaroye-sur-Mer, a village on the outskirts of Senegal’s capital, expressed his inability to eat or sleep properly due to the financial burden of the holiday.

As the sole breadwinner in his extended family, he failed to gather enough money to buy a sheep, which starts at around $250. Many in Senegal face similar challenges, with the holiday exacerbating the existing economic struggles.

Local and International Challenges

In Minnesota, the Somali community is preparing for Eid al-Adha amid concerns about safety and security at the Mall of America. Somali community leaders, mall officials, and Bloomington Police have implemented a safety plan to ensure a positive experience for everyone.

The plan includes a parental escort policy for those under 18, requiring an adult with them and an ID. This measure aims to prevent disruptive behavior and ensure the safety of all visitors during the Eid celebrations.

Ongoing Conflict in Gaza and the West Bank

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank are marking Eid al-Adha amidst ongoing Israeli military attacks. Over 37,000 Palestinians have been killed in the besieged enclave, where people gather in the rubble of their neighborhoods to pray.

The Israeli military is aggressively attacking western areas of Rafah and hitting areas across central Gaza. The government media office in Gaza has announced a “local, tactical pause” of military activity along a specific route from 8 am until 7 pm every day until further notice to allow more aid into Gaza from the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing.

However, it emphasizes that its soldiers will continue to fight in the southern part of the enclave and that there will be “no cessation of hostilities.” In order to stop Palestinians from carrying out sacrificial rituals as part of Eid al-Adha, Israelis have been blocking the entry of sacrificial animals into the enclave from all borders.

The Israeli army has cracked down on Palestinians trying to mark Eid al-Adha in Al-Aqsa Mosque, imposing tight restrictions on entry and assaulting worshippers.

Rising Tensions and Global Concerns

In the border combat that broke out after the commencement of the war on Gaza, the Israeli military and Hezbollah have dramatically increased their strikes. Two top UN officials stationed in Lebanon issued a warning, citing a “very real” possibility of miscalculation that might spark a wider war. The escalating conflict has created a dire situation for Palestinians trying to observe Eid al-Adha amid ongoing violence.