Canadian Muslims to celebrate Eid on Sunday November 6

(October 29, 2011) – Canadian Muslims will be celebrating Eid al-Adha on Sunday, November 6, 2011.

Throughout the country, large prayer services are being planned to mark this significant day for Muslims.

Eid al-Adha (festival of the sacrifice) is one of the most important yearly events for Muslims and it is a commemoration of the Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to sacrifice his son in response to a command from God before God stops him and a ram is substituted instead.

Mosques and Islamic Centers will be holding multiple prayer services to accommodate the large crowds expected.

In Toronto, one of the major gatherings will be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Hall.

The MAC Eid Festival, organized by the Muslim Association of Canada, will be a day of celebration – the prayer services will be followed by a carnival and a food fair and bazaar.

MAC is hoping to support needy families in the community by running a food drive on the day of Eid.

“With over 10,000 attendees, the Festival aims to raise a significant quantity of food,” according to the association.

“We encourage all families to bring a bag of non-perishable foods and drop it off at the food drive bins near the entrance of the hall.”

The association will also be distributing Qurbani meat to families on fixed income.

“This year, MAC has partnered with Scadding Court Community Centre and International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF) to distribute the meat to families in fixed income housing areas such as Regent Park and Alexandra Park,” the organizers of the festival said.

“To share in the joy of Eid, we are also organizing a free community lunch on Sunday November 13 where families can share a meal with us, learn about Eid, Islam and Muslims and pick up their packages.”