MUSLIMS across Guyana came together on Monday to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, a significant religious festival that underscores the values of obedience, sacrifice, and piety.
The event, marked by community prayers and the ritualistic sacrifice of animals, highlighted the enduring legacy of Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to God.

According to President of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), Al-Haj Shahabudeen Ahmad, Eid-ul-Adha commemorates the trials and steadfast faith of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him).
He explained that Eid-ul-Adha is a tribute to our patriarch Ibrahim’s unwavering faith in Allah and his readiness to sacrifice his beloved son, Ishmael. This festival is a powerful reminder of pure devotion and submission to the will of God.

The ritual sacrifice, known as Qurbani, is central to the observance. Imam Halim Khan of the Meten-Meer-Zorg (East) Masjid emphasised that Qurbani must be performed after the Eid prayer. “The sacrifice symbolises following in Prophet Ibrahim’s footsteps, and it’s obligatory for every financially capable Muslim. The meat is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for friends and neighbours and one for the needy,” Khan elaborated.
The three-day celebration sees Muslims engaging in various acts of worship, including fasting and performing Hajj.

A member of the Kitty Masjid highlighted the communal aspect of the festival, where special prayers and meals bring families and friends together. Traditional dishes like kebabs, stews, curry, and Biryani, often accompanied by sweet desserts such as vermicelli, form an integral part of the celebrations. “Sharing these meals reinforces our bond with each other and reflects the importance of supporting one another,” he added.
The observance of Eid-ul-Adha extends beyond personal and communal joy, as emphasied by Ahmad of the CIOG. He called for a reflection on the festival’s deeper significance. “Eid-ul-Adha urges us to reform our condition from servitude to men to servitude to the Creator. It is a time to remain humble, seek peaceful coexistence and strive for positive change within ourselves and our communities,” Ahmad urged.

In the midst of the festive activities, the distribution of Qurbani meat to the less fortunate remained a poignant act of charity. Many expressed their gratitude for this gesture of generosity. “The Muslim community’s dedication to caring for both the fortunate and the less fortunate is truly commendable,” a recipient at the Kitty Masjid remarked.
As Muslims in Guyana and around the world marked Eid-ul-Adha, the festival served as a powerful reminder of the virtues of faith, sacrifice, and community spirit, echoing the timeless legacy of Prophet Ibrahim.