Iraqis gather for Eid al-Adha prayers

NEWSROOM – Hundreds of citizens from diverse ethnic backgrounds assembled at the Grand Mosque in Khuraz, Daquq district, on Sunday to perform Eid prayers. The mosque was packed with worshippers, and the sermon called for tolerance and unity. Following the prayers, attendees exchanged greetings and wishes. One participant expressed hopes for this occasion to help establish the provincial council.

Saman Salah, a university professor who was at the event, stated, “After exchanging Eid greetings, we urged politicians and preachers to use this occasion to genuinely celebrate and initiate real tolerance and brotherhood among all residents and communities of the city. We seize this happy occasion to call for the formation of the provincial council, as it has been six months since the elections without any political progress.”

Meanwhile, in Anbar, hundreds of residents from Hit and the surrounding areas gathered on Sunday morning at the Eastern Mosque along the Euphrates River for Eid prayers. The mosque, dating back to the 1930s, attracts worshippers who travel long distances.

Sheikh Muadh Abdul Sattar, the mosque’s imam, told 964media, “Every Eid, the number of worshippers ranges between 700 and 800.”

In Wasit, dozens of residents of Kut congregated at the Imam Ali Mosque to observe Eid prayers.

Sheikh Ali Hussein Hassan, the imam of Imam Ali Mosque, shared, “We gathered here to observe the Eid prayer, a ritual ordained by Allah that commemorates the acts of the pilgrims at the holy Kaaba. This mosque embraces all sects of our generous country, symbolizing unity among its people. We pray for Allah’s continuous blessings and for love to flourish among us.”

In Ramadi, the scene was similar as residents gathered at the Abdulqadir Thakir Al-Damouk Mosque for Eid prayers. The imam emphasized prayers for the people of Gaza, supporting the oppressed, and assisting the poor. Post-prayer, the atmosphere was filled with joy as attendees exchanged Eid greetings.

Omar Yaseen, the imam, expressed to 964media, “We congratulate the Islamic world on the arrival of Eid al-Adha. I pray that Allah fills our days with obedience, protects Muslims worldwide, supports the people of Gaza, and grants them relief from their sufferings.”

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani extended his congratulations and blessings to the Iraqi people on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. He conveyed his prayers for blessings, security, and stability across Iraq and the broader Arab and Islamic world, as well as for victory and mercy for the steadfast people of Gaza.

“We reaffirm our commitment to Iraq’s sovereignty, the rule of law, economic development, and creating opportunities for progress and development,” stated Al Sudani. “We strive to eliminate corruption and social plagues in every corner they hide.”

Eid Al-Adha, marking the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage and commemorating Ibrahim’s (Abraham) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah, involves special prayers, feasts, and the act of Qurbani. The meat from the sacrificed animals is distributed among family, friends, relatives, and the less fortunate, reflecting Ibrahim’s devotion and the spirit of the festival.