Eid Al-Adha tradition
Begala residents distribute over five tons of meat
BEGALAS — In a show of unity and tradition, the residents of Sulaymaniyah’s Begalas came together today for a collective sacrifice, distributing over five tons of meat to the community at the local mosque in observance of Eid Al-Adha.
Saman Ahmad, who oversaw the event, shared with 964media the community’s dedication to this annual practice. “As an annual tradition, we carry out the sacrifice on the first day of Eid al-Adha,” Ahmad said. “Early in the morning, we prepare the mosque and register all residents. Those performing the sacrifice slaughter their animals at home and bring the tender meat to us. We weigh and then distribute it equally among the registered residents without discrimination.”
The community effort is marked by a spirit of cooperation across generations. “Young and old work together selflessly in this process,” Ahmad continued. “Elders provide guidance and instructions, while the youth handle the detailed tasks of sorting, weighing, and packaging the meat for distribution. This ensures that the sacrifice is performed efficiently and fairly.”
To accommodate the summer heat, the process is expedited to maintain the meat’s freshness. “Since it is summer, we aim to finish the process quickly, typically by 2:00 PM,” Ahmad explained. “We use plastic bags and have set up several fans to keep the meat cool. Afterward, we clean and disinfect the area thoroughly.”
This year’s distribution slightly decreased from the nearly six tons of meat distributed last year, continuing a valued community practice.
Eid Al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is a major Islamic holiday that commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) readiness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, who ultimately provided a ram as an alternative. Muslims worldwide mark this occasion by sacrificing an animal, such as a sheep, goat, or cow, and distributing the meat among family, friends, and the needy.