November 16, 2010: This year’s Eid al-Adha, or Festival of Sacrifice, is being celebrated by Muslims around the world today. Lasting for three days, the joyful holiday honors the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim, or Abraham, to obey Allah by sacrificing his only son. On this holiday Muslims attend mosque, gather with family and friends, and exchange gifts.
The festival, which falls at the end of Muslims’ annual pilgrimage to Mecca, is celebrated a little bit differently in various countries. Here’s what happens on one of Islam’s most important holidays at the SOS Children’s Village in Imzouren, Morocco, through the eyes of 12-year-old Aïcha. In that North African country Eid al-Adha is also known as Eid el-Kbir, the Big Holiday.
Aïcha’s Happiness
"During the Holy Days of Eid al-Adha we dress up and enjoy delicious meat prepared by our (SOS) Mom. It’s barbecued, steamed, or cooked in the tajine (a traditional earthenware cooking pot).
Last Eid al-Adha I learned to prepare boulfaf -- sheep liver cut into small pieces with cumin, paprika, and a pinch of salt. It’s rolled in “leaves” of mutton fat. We cooked these like a kebab and ate them with mint tea. For three days a delightful smell billowed from all the family houses and everywhere we went we were offered cakes, tea, and kebabs. It’s a special time in our village!
While cooking for Eid al-Adha I imagined myself someday being a responsible mother with my own family. I wish all children, especially the most needy, could share in the warm family atmosphere and happiness of this holiday."
SOS Raises Children in Their Own Traditions
One common Arabic greeting that is appropriate to use during this week’s holiday, Eid Al-Adha, is Kul 'am wa enta bi-khair -- May every year find you in good health!
Good health, love, warm homes, schooling, and a supportive community are what SOS Children’s Villages is all about. Engaging children like Aïcha in their own local traditions is one way that SOS shows each of the 80,000 children under its care that they belong to a large, nurturing community.
Help vulnerable children feel connected to a more benevolent world. Send an Eid eCard to a loved one. Or, if you would like to learn more about SOS Children’s Villages, sign up to receive our eNewsletters or make a donation to support SOS around the world.