Holy Eid-ul-Azha Tomorrow

Holy Eid-ul-Azha, the second biggest religious festival of Muslims, will be observed throughout the country tomorrow with proper solemnity and religious fervor.

The Eid-ul-Azha is observed on the 10th of the month of Zilhajj in the Hizri calendar when Hazrat Ibrahim (When) on that day, around 4,500 years ago, volunteered to sacrifice his beloved son Hazrat Ismail (AS) who gladly surrendered to his father's will to appease God. Yet through His benevolent grace, the Lord saved Hazrat Ismail (AS) and then sent a ram to be slaughtered.

To commemorate this significant occasion, Muslims in the world may give prayers in congregations and kill animals in the name of the Almighty Allah. They will offer munajat seeking divine blessings for the peace, progress and prosperity of the land as well as the well-being of the Muslim Ummah.

President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheik Hasina sent different messages to the Muslims in Bangladesh and around the world on the occasion of the Eid-ul-Azha.

Begum Raushan Ershad, leader of the opposition in the Parliament, also invited the country on the eve of the Holy Eid-ul Azha Festival.

In view of the global pandemic of COVID-19, including Bangladesh, Muslims are expected to observe the Eid-ul-Azha festival in compliance with strict health laws.

The festival seemed very unlikely to resemble that of previous years, with many countries banning traditional Eid congregations as part of anti-coronavirus measures.

Bangladesh authorities have encouraged citizens to live in their existing residences, blocking proposals for bigger family gatherings in their ancestral homes as part of drastic steps to deter the spread of COVID-19.

Muslims around the world are enjoying the festival with millions under stringent home-stay instructions and others expecting revived coronavirus outbreaks.

The Government has announced an official holiday of three days — Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the Eid era. Government officials and staff were required to stay in their position of service throughout the holidays in Eid.

Meanwhile, a public notice by the Religious Affairs Ministry said that “Islam encourages performing Eid prayer at Eidgah or open ground. But considering the health safety, worshipers are being instructed to perform prayers at mosques, following social distancing. If necessary, more than one jamaat will be arranged at different time slots.'' 

“As well as all the health guidelines must be followed by the devotees, failing which government authorities and police will take legal action,” according to the public notice.

Following are the health and safety guidelines one must adhere to for performing Eid prayer at mosques:

Mosques are not to use carpets on their floors. The floors themselves must be cleaned with antiseptic five times a day, following each prayer. Worshippers must bring their own prayer mats and caps.

Hand sanitizer or handwashing soap and water must be kept in front of the mosques so that everyone can wash their hands before entering. Everyone must wear masks inside the mosque.

Ablution must be performed before going to the mosque.

Worshippers standing in the same line must maintain a distance of at least three feet from each other.

Lines must not be formed in consecutive rows, but alternate rows.

Children, the elderly, the sick, and those engaged in the service of patients cannot participate in the congregation.

General guidelines of the health care department, local administration, and law enforcement agencies must be followed to ensure public safety.

The mosque management committees must ensure that the guidelines are followed. Failing to ensure adherence may result in legal action against mosque management.

Every year, the city corporations and district administrations organize central Eid prayer in all the districts of the country.

But this year, government authorities will not organize Eid prayers on open grounds following the decision.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has already instructed not to organize Eid jamaat at Supreme Court premises, the main Eid congregation in the country. Similarly, Eid prayer at South Plaza of the National Parliament will also not be held this year due to the corona virus pandemic.

President Abdul Hamid will perform Eid prayers in a mosque inside Bangabhaban.

A total of six Eid congregations will be held at the National Baitul Mukarram Mosque celebrating the Eid-ul Azha on August 1.

The first Jamaat will be held at 7am to be conducted by Hafez Mufti Maulana M Mizanur Rahaman, senior Imam of the mosque, said a release.The second Eid Jamaat will be held at 7:50 am and the third one at 8:45 am.

Maulana Mahiuddin Kashem will conduct the fourth Jamaat which is to be held at 9:35am.The fifth Jamaat, conducted by Hafez Maulana Waliur Rahman Khan, will be held at 10:30am.Maulana Muhammad Abdur Rab Mia will conduct the sixth and last Jamaat which is to be held at 11:10am.

The Eid Jamaat will not be held in the National Eidgah, adjacent to the High Court, and also in the historic Solakia Maidan.In the Dhaka University, the Eid Jamaat will be held at university central mosque – Masjidul Jamiya – at 8am.

The jamaat will be held maintaining social distance and health guidelines amid the emerging corona virus situation. Senior Imam and Kathib Dr Syed Muhammad Emdad Uddin will conduct the Jamaat.

Another Eid Jamaat also will be held at Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall Jame Mosque of the Dhaka University at 8am.

President Hamid will exchange Eid greetings with the cross sections of people, including eminent citizens and diplomats at his official Bangabhaban residence tomorrow.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will also exchange greetings with the cross sections of people, including party leaders and workers, judges and foreign diplomats, at her official Ganabhaban residence tomorrow.

The premier will exchange Eid greetings with judges, the cabinet secretary, the chiefs of the three services, foreign diplomats, senior secretaries, secretaries and other civil and military officials from 11am at the same venue.

Organizers said adequate water supply and security arrangements have already been made at the Baitul Mukaram National Mosque to facilitate the Eid-ul-Azha prayers.

Adequate security measures have been taken for peaceful and smooth celebration of the holy Eid-ul-Azha. The law enforcement agencies were also asked to ensure smooth movement of vehicles on highways, waterways and train routes.

State-run Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar as well as other TV channels and radio stations would broadcast special programmes on the occasion of the Eid-ul-Azha.

Big public and private structures should be lit in the capital and other towns. The national flag and banner with the words 'Eid Mubarak' will be raised in public and private buildings and at different significant points in the capital and other cities throughout the world.

Enhanced meals will be provided regularly to prisoners of federal clinics, jails, orphanages, secure homes and shelters.