– Mount Prospect, Ill.
India’s Consul General Ausaf Sayeed joined the thousands of Muslims from around the Mount Prospect, Illinois metropolitan area who came to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha at the Bristol Court Banquets Oct. 5. This was one of the largest turnouts in the region.
Sayeed prayed at the second session (salah) with his entire family. Members of the Indian-American community including doctors, entertainers, political activists, leaders in the education and spiritual fields, also attended, among them activist Iftekhar Shareef and businessman Mir Sadat Ali Khan, Asian Media USA said in a press release.
As groups of Indians and Pakistanis dressed in vibrant colors and accompanied by excited children swarmed the parking lot, volunteers collected alms to recover expenses. Many emptied their pockets and purses before taking off their shoes and heading into the prayer halls. Three salahs were conducted starting at 9:30 am. The first was led by Sheik Amin, the second by Moulana Uviedullah Saleem, and the last by Moulana Hafiz Zawwat.
Eid-ul-Zuha, also known as Eid-ul-Adha, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Abraham to sacrifice his son, Ismail, at God’s command. Muslims celebrate to mark end of the hajj pilgrimage to Mecca by slaughtering sheep, goats, camels and cows.
“Eid al-Adha – the ‘Festival of Sacrifice’ – is a holiday during which we share with those who are hungry, sick or in need,” Illinois Gov. Patrick Quinn said in a statement issued on the occasion.
“During this special time, we are reminded that sacrifice and compassion are two qualities necessary to make the world a better place and assure no one is left behind. In the spirit of humility and warmth, I wish Illinois’ 500,000 Muslim residents and Muslims around the world a blessed Eid.”
Mount Prospect Police, Bristol Court Banquet Staff, Central Eid Committee of Greater Chicago members and volunteers jointly helped direct the massive crowds.