December 4th. 2008

Muslims all around the world will be celebrating Eid-ul-Adha on the 19th and the 20th of December. It is one of two festivals and also the oldest of religious festivals celebrated by all Muslims. Eid al Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhull-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic Calendar and marks the end of the annual pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca.

Eid Al-Adha commemorates the trials and tribulations of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him), and his ultimate test and willingness to sacrifice his son for God. Prophet Abraham is the patriarch of all the three Abrahamic faiths and is revered by Christians, Jews and Muslims. Eid al Adha is therefore also referred to as the “festival of sacrifice”
Over 2 million Muslims from all over the world will be taking part in one of the largest gathering on Earth, the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca. This great annual convention of faith demonstrates the concept of equality of mankind before God, the most profound message of Islam, which allows no superiority on the basis of race, gender or social status. It is the demonstration of the solidarity of the Muslim people, and their submission to God

Eid-al-Adha (Adha Eid) has other popular names across the Muslim world, such as Eid el-Kibir (the 'Big' Eid) in Noth African Countries. Ciidwayneey in Somalia and Somali-speaking regions of Kenya and Ethiopia..In India and Pakistan it is also called Bara Eid (literally "Big Eid") or simply Baqrid in India, for the Hindi word baqara, meaning "goat", the traditional sacrifice).In Turkey it is called Kurban Bayram?. In Iran and Afghanistan it is called "Eyd e Qorbán" (literally, "the Greater Eid") or Kurbaneyy Akhtar.

There are approximately 800,000 Muslims in Canada with about 70,000 in Alberta and 35,000 in Edmonton. The Edmonton Council of Muslim Communities is an umbrella organization representing nine different Muslim entities within Edmonton. Created in 2002, its mission is to speak and act on behalf of Edmonton Muslims with fellow Canadians in a manner that protects, promotes, and enhances the understanding of Islam and Muslims in matters of public policy, education, peace and safety.

Media inquiries and request for interviews may be directed to the following representatives:

Masood Peracha: Chairman, ECMC at 780 421 3886, Cell 780 903 1653
Khalid Tarabain: President Canadian Islamic Centre at 780 451-6694, Cell 780 909-1275