The religious holiday of Eid ul-Adha was celebrated between the 9th and 12th of July. The festival commemorates Allah’s intervention due to Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmail upon hearing Allah’s command. It is a time when many families can come together to give gifts and celebrate and is regarded as the biggest holiday in the Islamic Calendar.
Eid-ul-Adha also involves charity through the act of Qurbani, where Muslims who have the ability donate money to provide meat for those in their communities who would struggle to purchase it themselves. This is especially important this year to the current cost of living crisis which has heavily impacted family finances across the country. In addition, Qurbani donations can be given globally, allowing communities to celebrate Eid in regions of war or poverty.
In addition, many British Muslims have participated in the Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca that all adults with the ability are required to undertake in their lives. This journey is associated with the life of Muhammad but has roots in the time of Ibrahim and constitutes one of the five pillars of Islam, emphasising its importance.
Scottish Conservative MSP Pam Gosal tweeted in support of British Muslims at this time of year, saying “I would like to send my very best wishes to Britain’s Muslim communities on the occasion of celebrating Eid-ul-Adha and the Hajj 2022. British Muslims are helping make this country the success it is today. I wish you all well, in celebrating this joyful occasion”.
And Douglas Ross tweeted that he was “wishing a happy and blessed Eid-ul-Adha to everyone celebrating in Scotland and around the world”.
The Scottish Conservative Friends of BAME wishes both the British and global Muslim community a happy Eid-ul-Adha and Hajj to those participating.