Muslims in the Ozarks are celebrating the Eid el-Adha holiday this week. The holiday is a time to come together in remembrance of Abraham’s faith. Eid el-Adha is one of two Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide.
The first day of Eid el-Adha is an important moment for Muslim communities. They gather at local mosques to pray and celebrate.
Mariam Mohamed is an international student from Egypt studying at Missouri State University. When she first came to Springfield three years ago, she didn’t celebrate Eid. It was difficult to find other Muslims in the area to celebrate with, she said.
“It’s important for me to celebrate it, because when I didn’t celebrate it, it was so weird for me and I felt that there is something missing and I can’t, I need to do that,” Mohamed said.
Muslims are also encouraged to beautify themselves for Eid. Mohamed said the thinking behind that is: God is beautiful, and he asks that Muslims be beautiful whenever they pray and celebrate.
For Mohamed, the sacred holiday is more than just a feast.
“I really feel peace that day. I think it’s like the most day I feel peace during the whole year,” she said.
Eid el-Adha ends this week on Friday.