Muslim students at McLean celebrated Eid al-Adha, the second Eid celebrated in the year after Eid al-Fitr, on May 28. The holiday marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage on the tenth day, also known as the time of Dhul Hijjah.

“[Eid al-Adha] is a significant holiday because it follows acts of devotion in Islam, such as [completing] the month of Ramadan or after the pilgrimage to Mecca,” said junior Leem Ubaid Areef.

The Eid day begins with a prayer, where many Muslims often attend a mosque to pray in congregation.

“We usually wear new clothes as a kind of celebration and pray together in the morning,” said junior Raya Al-Chaderechi, McLean MSA’s Vice President. “It’s important because it brings people together and connects us to our deen (faith).”

Afterwards, many Muslims spend the day with their families, going out to do fun activities and eating delightful meals.

“We have a big lunch with extended family and frequently celebrate gift giving,” Areef said. “Normally, we have a cultural cuisine as a way of celebrating our nations and traditions on Eid day.”

On this specific Eid, Muslims take part in a spiritual act of sacrificing a livestock animal in order to honor the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham)’s faithfulness towards God, when he was willing to sacrifice his son under God’s command.

“Eid reminds us to be thankful for our blessings and to help those who are less fortunate through charity and kindness,” said sophomore Adil Ahmed Shaik, McLean MSA’s events coordinator.

As both Eids of the year are complete, many Muslims reflect upon them and look forward to celebrating next year’s Eids once again.

“I love Eid because it unites my family and I together,” Areef said. “It [also] encourages me to stay devoted to religious practices.”