Muslims across Kerala on Thursday celebrated Eid al-Adha, also known as Eid-ul-Zaha or Bakrid, the second most important festival in Islam, with special prayers and community gatherings held across the state.
Special Eid al-Adha prayers were held at Palayam Jumma Mosque in Thiruvananthapuram, where religious scholar Vice President Sohaib Maulvi called for communal harmony, social unity and collective resistance against divisive forces.
Addressing the worshipers after the prayer, Maulvi said, “At a time when attempts are being made to divide society, we must stand united as one man. Efforts to create divisions in the name of caste and religion must be defeated collectively. No religion teaches hatred towards each other.”
Mawlawi called for mutual respect between communities, and urged people to avoid actions or disputes that might hurt religious feelings.
“We should respect the sentiments of all communities. Unnecessary controversies like the ones that happened during Vishu celebrations over non-vegetarian food should not be created. Such actions should not be done even as a joke. One should never insult what others worship,” he said.
He also said that celebrations involving the public display of slaughtered goat heads should not take place.
Emphasizing the importance of value-based education, he stressed that “students should not only acquire technical knowledge, but also understand values and grow into people of good culture and character.”
Expressing concern over the spread of drugs, Mawlawi said society must protect youth from drug abuse and welcomed the anti-drug measures taken by the government.
“Drug abuse is spreading rapidly in society, and youth must be protected from the grip of drugs. The previous government had taken strong measures, and now the Ministry of Interior has also launched measures against the spread of drugs. I hope Operation Flood will achieve complete success,” he said.
Moloy also said that the younger generation remains socially and politically conscious.
“Although the new generation interacts more with the Internet, they are aware of social and political developments. Youth should never be underestimated,” he said.
He concluded his speech by praying for peace in conflict-affected areas, including Iran and Palestine.
Eid al-Adha or Eid al-Bakrah, celebrated on May 28 this year, is an important Islamic festival also referred to as the “Feast of Sacrifice.” It is celebrated on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and marks the culmination of the annual Hajj season in Mecca.
The date of the festival changes every year because it follows the lunar calendar, which is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. This results in the holiday moving earlier each year in the Western calendar cycle.
The festival is widely viewed as a time of joy, reflection and compassion, as people strengthen social bonds, forgive past injustices and engage in acts of charity and goodwill. It commemorates the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice in obedience to God, symbolizing faith and devotion.
