PRESS RELEASE: November, 16th, Muslims to celebrate Kurban-Bayram

On Tuesday, on November, 16th, 2010, at 8am, within the precincts of the mosque of the Islamic Social Cultural Centre (Degtyarevskaya street, 25) will take place especially solemn prayer, in which will participate many Muslims of the city of Kiev, and also diplomats of foreign states. Similar actions will pass in mosques of all cities and settlements of
Ukraine where there are Muslim communities.

This day Muslims of the whole world start to celebrate the greatest Islamic holiday — Id al-Adha (Kurban-bayram). This is the holiday of sacrifice which begins in the morning of 10th Zul-Hijja according to the Muslim lunar calendar and lasts for four days. Id al-Adha is the culmination of Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah): pilgrims make a sacrifice ceremony in the Mina valley in memory of sacrifice of Ibrahim (Bibl. Abraham). This event is mentioned in the Bible and in the Quran.

Sacrifice is prescribed not only to pilgrims, but also each Muslim who has enough means for it. Cows, sheep and goats are considered as sacrificial animals. The ceremony is performed after fulfillment of a festive prayer or the next two days of the holiday.

The Almighty orders to believers, "To every people did We appoint rites (of sacrifice), that they might celebrate the name of Allah over the sustenance He gave them from animals (fit for food). But your Allah is One Allah. submit then your wills to Him (in Islam): and give thou the good news to those who humble themselves" (The Quran 22:34).

Meat of sacrificial animals is traditionally divided into 3 parts: one is left for oneself, the second is distributed as alms to Muslims, and the third is given to the relatives and neighbors, including non-Muslims. Kind tradition is preparation of festive meal from the third part of kurban, such as pilaf, a shish kebab, manty, — for neighbors, friends, relatives and for all who will come for a visit to holidays.

Sense of the ceremony of sacrifice first of all is spiritual. Each Muslim on the fairly earned money should make a sacrifice and share it with the poor and the needy, offer festive meal to the visitors. This is the act of generosity and donation in hope of the Divine pardon. In the Quran is stated, "…eat ye thereof, and feed such as (beg not but) live in contentment, and such as beg with due humility… It is not their meat nor their blood, that reaches Allah. It is your piety that reaches Him" (The Quran 22:36–37).

For more detailed information call:

Ph. 063-715 7237 (Nikita) or 093-993 8159,  093-993 8159 (Olga).

Press-service of the AUASO "Аlraid"