The Maldives joins all other Islamic nations in the world to commemorate Eid ul Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice, in honour of prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael to show obedience to god. It is also a commemoration of the end of the Haj. Fifteen mosques in Male, Hulhumale and Vilingili are designated to conduct special Eid prayers. The Eid Adha is performed any time after sun rise, before the Zuhr time on the 10th day of the Dhul Hijjah according to the Muslim calendar, around the middle of October, and lasts for four days. Goats and sheep are sacrificed as god accepted a sheep in the place of Ishmael. As worshippers are encouraged to turn out in their best for Eid prayers the shops in Male do a brisk business in new clothes.
Many people in Male take advantage of the four day holiday to go to their homes to be with family in the outer islands where Eid Adha is celebrated in the traditional way. The day begins with early morning prayers followed by a sermon and with Boduberu, Maali, Dhiun and Vedhuma dances and drumming involving the whole community and ends up with a delicious feast with special goodies made with the participation of the whole family in a convivial atmosphere. The feast can only be celebrated once the full moon has been spied and the date for the feast announced by a religious leader. Male is declared a traffic free zone from 4 to 10 pm for the holiday allowing families in the city to engage in traditional religious activities and share their joy with friends and family. Greeting cards are exchanged but now SMSs are more popular. This is the day that Muslims show their gratitude to Allah for showering his blessings on them. Islamic charities help the less privileged to celebrate Eid ul Adha by organizing feasts and animal sacrifices.
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