How Muslims in East Asia Celebrated Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha, a significant Islamic festival, is celebrated with immense joy and spiritual fervor by Muslims worldwide. This article, penned by Dr. Osama Mansour, offers a fascinating glimpse into how this blessed occasion is observed by Muslim communities across East Asia, specifically focusing on the unique traditions and collective spirit found in China, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

In China

Chinese Muslims are accustomed to performing Eid prayers in large open areas, delaying them until 10:00 AM to allow the largest possible number of Muslims to gather.

In Ningxia, in northwest China, where the largest Muslim community in the country resides, men, women, and children are keen to attend Eid prayers. The squares and congregational mosques witness thousands of Muslims flocking on this blessed day.

It's customary for most Muslims to purchase sacrificial animals on Eid day and present them to mosque imams, who then slaughter, cut, and distribute the meat to the poor. The owners of these sacrifices do not take any part of the meat for themselves.

As for the general Muslim populace, if they perform a sacrifice, they distribute a portion of the meat to the poor, share another part with their relatives as gifts, and then consume the remaining sacrificial meat during the days of Eid. No meat remains after the Eid days are over. This is a custom for them, as they believe the sacrifice is exclusively for Eid, and no meat should remain after the afternoon of the fourth day.

The Shixia Mosque, in the north of Yinchuan, the capital of Ningxia, witnesses a remarkable presence of Muslims from all sects: men, women, and children. However, what's striking is the large attendance of students, as the mosque is located amidst three universities: Ningxia University, University of Nationalities, and Chunghua University. Therefore, the majority of attendees are students from these universities.

As for the Nanguan Mosque in the south of Yinchuan, it is the city's main congregational mosque and its most famous. A large number of Muslims attend prayers there, and it is surrounded by shops, markets, and butcheries selling halal meat for those who did not offer a sacrifice.

In Qinghai province, in the far northwest, small mosques close their doors, and all Muslims gather to pray at Dongguan Mosque. Their numbers exceed one hundred thousand worshippers, filling the mosque's courtyards, side streets, and some main streets in the city.

Sheikh Ismail Jing Biao, the Imam of Dongguan Mosque, says: "Chinese Muslims call Eid al-Adha 'Eid al-Qurban' (the Feast of Sacrifice), where sacrifices are slaughtered, and their meat is distributed to the poor and needy. Eid here in Qinghai lives up to its name; we gather, visit each other, and joy spreads among Muslims."

He added: "During this time, we make sure to visit relatives, the sick, the poor, the elderly, and prominent Muslims who have had a positive impact on Islam and Muslims in Qinghai."

In Taiwan

In Taiwan, Muslims prepared for Eid and usually gather at the Grand Taipei Mosque in the capital, Taipei, as well as the Taichung Mosque and some other mosques. For slaughtering sacrifices, a prior permit from the municipal administration is required, specifying the number of sacrifices and the location where the slaughter will take place.

The Muslim community in Taiwan is a mix of Taiwanese and other Muslim nationalities residing in Taiwan, mostly from Indonesia. On Eid day, they gathered in the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Square (named after the first president of the Republic of China in 1911, known as the "Father of China"), arriving early in the morning chanting 'Takbir' (Allahu Akbar). They then performed Eid prayers at 9:00 AM Taiwan time. Immediately after the prayer, worshippers proceeded to slaughter their sacrifices and distribute the meat to relatives and friends.

In Vietnam

In Vietnam, Muslims are accustomed to gathering in large mosques during Eid to express their joy and ensure the attendance of the largest number of people, as well as to meet relatives and friends. An Giang province, with its Cham Muslim majority, is where the manifestations of Eid are clearly visible.

On the morning of Eid, Muslims flocked to Nur al-Iman Mosque, where they performed Eid prayers together in an atmosphere of joy and tranquility, praying to Allah Almighty to sustain His blessings of faith and love and to increase their good. After the prayer, some charitable organizations in An Giang slaughtered a number of sacrifices and distributed their meat to the poor, especially in Chau Gong village, which has a large number of poor Muslims.

From the bustling prayer grounds of China to the communal gatherings in Taiwan and Vietnam, the celebration of Eid al-Adha in East Asia beautifully showcases the unity and diversity within the global Muslim community. Despite geographical distances and cultural nuances, the core values of sacrifice, charity, and familial bonds remain central to their observances, reinforcing the profound spiritual significance of this cherished holiday.