Muslims across Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia have celebrated Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, with prayers held in diverse locations including mosques, train stations, streets, and beaches. This second major Islamic holiday sees approximately 2 billion pilgrims worldwide offering prayers as a sign of devotion, adherence, and unity.
Prayers in Indonesia
In Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation, worshippers gathered at the Dian al-Mahri Mosque in Depok, West Java, also known as the Golden Dome Mosque. Aerial drone footage captured thousands praying on the streets of Jakarta, while others attended services at the Great Mosque of al-Azhar. Some chose unique settings, such as the Kampung Banda train station, where a man was seen in prayer, and Ancol beach, where an aerial view showed rows of worshippers by the sea. On the slopes of Mount Merapi in Sleman, Yogyakarta, prayers were held against a dramatic volcanic backdrop. In Banda Aceh, an impressive aerial view showed worshippers at the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, while in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesian Muslims offered prayers in a serene setting.
Celebrations in the Philippines
In the Philippines, a huge crowd including children gathered for prayers at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City. Muslim women were seen with a cat after a prayer session, and a child looked around at balloons as people assembled for morning prayers at a park. In Manila, Filipino Muslims prayed in Quiapo, demonstrating the widespread observance.
Observance in Malaysia
In Malaysia, two boys waited for their father to finish morning prayers in Klang on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. The scene reflected the familial and communal aspects of the holiday.
Significance of Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, a story shared by Muslims, Christians, and Jews. The holiday involves prayers, feasting, and the sacrifice of livestock, with meat distributed to the needy. This year's celebrations highlight the resilience and devotion of Muslim communities worldwide, even as they adapt to various settings for worship.
