Ruptly
"Hundreds of Muslims marked the start of Eid al-Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, on Wednesday with a joint prayer at the Central Mosque of Lisbon, the largest mosque in Portugal and the spiritual hub for the capital's Islamic community. Footage shows worshippers praying as the imam addresses the crowd at the mosque. “This is a very big holiday for all Muslims. And it's very important to come here getting together to pray for Allah. Pray for Muslim countries. Like Gaza, like Palestine, Iran and Syria. Sudan. We pray for all of the country on the biggest holiday,” worshipper Mohammed Abrar Jahid said. “I am so proud and so happy that even though I’m away from home, I don’t feel trapped, I don’t feel confined. So, I am grateful,” fellow worshipper Biro shared.“There are many threats, of course, but I have never been afraid to pray in the West – never.” According to the imam of the Central Mosque of Lisbon, Sheikh David Munir, when performing religious rituals, they try to adapt to both Portugal's rules and laws while preserving tradition. For example, for deeply important Qurbani, a ritual sacrifice of a livestock animal, they make arrangements with butchers. “We do not do it in the streets, nor do we do it secretly. Everything is done properly because, at the slaughterhouse, it is normal for people to request the animals they want for this action,” he stated. “A qualified professional performs the slaughter according to the Islamic ritual, which is permitted under our laws in slaughterhouses.” According to Islamic tradition, the sacrificed meat should be divided into three equal parts: one for the donor's family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor. “Usually, the people making the request want the meat to be delivered entirely to those who are most in need. And when we speak about people in need, we mean everyone, regardless of their beliefs or religion,” the imam noted. Eid al-Adha is the second largest Muslim festival, which honours the unwavering faith and devotion of the Prophet Ibrahim to God. The holiday falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, which is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar."
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