Eid al-Adha is being celebrated today with great religious fervor and devotion in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and other Gulf countries. The day marks one of the most significant occasions in the Islamic calendar, with Muslims coming together to offer prayers, perform rituals, and express gratitude.
In the holy city of Mecca, the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) hosted a large congregation for the Eid prayers, where millions of worshippers gathered. The prayers were led by the Imam of the Grand Mosque, and the atmosphere was filled with spirituality and reverence. Similarly, in Medina, a similar congregation took place at the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid al-Nabawi), where a large number of people attended to celebrate the occasion.
The Eid sermon at both the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina emphasized unity among Muslims, the progress of the Islamic world, and prayers for the oppressed Muslims, particularly those in Palestine. The focus was on seeking blessings for peace, prosperity, and justice for the Muslim Ummah worldwide.
In the UAE, prayers were offered in major cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, where worshippers gathered in mosques to celebrate the occasion. The day saw communities coming together in solidarity to share the joy of Eid with family and friends, while also reflecting on the significance of the festival.
Meanwhile, pilgrims who had arrived in the holy city of Mecca for Hajj have moved from Muzdalifah to Mina, where they are performing the pivotal ritual of Rami Jamarat, casting stones at the large pillar symbolizing Satan. This is a key part of the Hajj pilgrimage, and it is followed by the act of sacrificing animals, shaving or trimming the hair, and completing the rituals of Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa’i.
Saudi authorities have ensured that all necessary arrangements are in place to accommodate and protect the pilgrims during this significant period. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and other relevant agencies, have organized a well-coordinated operation to manage the influx of pilgrims in Mecca and the surrounding areas. Thousands of officials have been deployed for tasks ranging from traffic control, health and medical assistance, cleanliness, and security.
Royal Saudi Air Force helicopters are providing aerial surveillance over the sacred sites to monitor the situation from the skies. This ensures that any emergencies or unforeseen circumstances can be promptly addressed. The efforts of the Saudi government have been focused on maintaining a smooth flow of operations and ensuring the safety and well-being of all those involved in the pilgrimage.
The festive atmosphere across Saudi Arabia and the broader Gulf region has also been complemented by charitable activities. Numerous organizations and individuals are engaged in giving to the less fortunate, reflecting the spirit of Eid, which revolves around generosity, compassion, and unity. Eid al-Adha, known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” encourages Muslims to remember the hardships of others while celebrating their own blessings.
This year, the celebrations have been a display of both religious devotion and organizational excellence, as the authorities have ensured that all arrangements are seamlessly executed. The peaceful and orderly manner in which the celebrations and rituals are being carried out highlights the importance of coordination and planning in hosting millions of worshippers during this religious occasion.
As the festival continues, prayers for the well-being of the Muslim community and the world at large are being offered, with hopes of continued peace, prosperity, and unity for the years to come.
