Posted on Feb. 12: McMaster Muslims mark end of Hajj with prayers, festival

Hundreds of McMaster Muslims joined in communal prayer at Copps Coliseum Tuesday, to mark the end of the Hajj, the yearly pilgrimage to Mecca.

They joined thousands of Muslims in the day-long event that featured communal prayers and a multicultural festival.

“The prayers, and the holiday that follows, are called Eid ul-Adha (eed-al-ADD-ha), or “festival of the sacrifice,” explains Ahmed Ferouz, vice-president of the McMaster Muslims' Association. “Eid ul-Adha commemorates the Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael at God's command. The holiday is celebrated with the prayers, small gifts for children, distribution of aid to the needy, and social gatherings.”

Each year, about two million Muslims make the pilgrimage to Mecca. Able-bodied Muslims are required to perform the Hajj at least once in their lives if they can afford it. The spiritual journey is meant to cleanse the soul and wipe away sins. Those not participating in the journey celebrate Eid al-Adha.

On Friday, Feb. 14, the association will celebrate Eid al-Adha with a dinner at 6 p.m. in the CIBC Banquet Hall of the McMaster University Student Centre.

Tickets are $20 or $17 for MSA members and are available from the Muslim Students' Association office, Rm. 108, Wentworth House or at the door. For ticket information contact macmsa@macmsa.com.

The Muslim Students' Association has established a prayer space on campus for daily prayers and uses the Ivor Wynne Centre for a Friday congregational prayer, which draws gatherings of more than 400 people.