Celebrating Eid al-Adha in P.E.I.

The P.E.I. Muslim community is coming together to celebrate Eid al-Adha this weekend, a major holiday that's known as the feast of the sacrifice.

"Today is a very special day for the Muslim community here," saidZain Esseghaier,spokesperson for the Muslim Society of P.E.I.

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Esseghaier said Eidal-Adhacommemorates "the ultimate sacrifice" of the prophet Ibrahimwho was willing to give up his own son.

He said Muslims honour that sacrifice by making one of their own, usually a goat or a cow, that they divide into three parts and share with their friends, family and those in need.

Thecelebrations begin after the end of thehajj, an annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia one of the main pillars of Islam which every able-bodied Muslim is required to undertake at least once.

Generally, those who aren't on the pilgrimage come together locally to celebrate the event.

Celebrating away from home

The day began with morning prayers at a local mosque in Charlottetown, followed by celebrations and a potluck feast for dinner.

Esseghaier said many newcomers are celebrating Eid in P.E.I. for the first time this year.

"For those who have only been here for a year or so, there's a lot of nostalgia, thinking about their family and homes back where they came from," he said."There's always some reminiscing back home."

Eight-year-old Abdallah Daas and his 11-year-old brother Mohammadmoved to P.E.I. last year with their family from Dubai.

"Here, a small amount of people are celebrating so it feels like you are closer to everybody," said Mohammad."It's really a good tradition to celebrate with friends and it's really fun."

Adballah said he's happy to be celebrating Eid in his new home.

"We have fun. We have a better future," he said.

'During periods of trials, we have to be patient'

Esseghaiersaid for him,the day is about remembering the importance of sacrifice.

"In this life, we're being tested all the time," he said.

"It reminds that during periods of trials, we have to be patient, we have to beperseverantand we have to look forward to the future and be hopeful."

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