Eid-ul-Adha: Make a Difference for People with Disabilities

Eid ul Adha, also known as the feast of sacrifice, is one of the most important festivals for Muslims around the world. It commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to God. However, God intervened and replaced Ismail with a ram/sheep, sparing his life. To honour this event, Muslims sacrifice an animal, such as a goat, camel, sheep or a cow, and share the meat with their family, friends and those in need.

Eid ul Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It also marks the end of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca that every able-bodied and financially capable Muslim is required to perform at least once in their lifetime. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with faith, prayer, charity and fasting.

However, not everyone can perform Hajj or celebrate Eid ul Adha in the same way. People with disabilities may face various challenges and barriers that prevent them from fully participating in these religious rituals and festivities. For example, they may have difficulty accessing transportation, accommodation, facilities, and services in Mecca or in their local communities. They may also face stigma, discrimination and exclusion from their families and society.

As coming from different CALD backgrounds, we have a duty to help our brothers and sisters who are less fortunate than us. We should not only share our wealth and food with them, but also our compassion and respect. We should not pity them or treat them as inferior, but rather empower them and support their rights and dignity. We should also learn from them and appreciate their contributions and talents.

There are many ways we can make a difference for people with disabilities during Eid ul Adha and beyond. Here are some suggestions:

• Donate to charities that provide assistance and advocacy for people with disabilities in Muslim countries and communities.
• Volunteer to help people with disabilities in your local mosque or community centre during Eid prayers and celebrations.
• Invite people with disabilities to your home or visit them in their homes for Eid meals and gifts.
• Educate yourself and others about the diversity and needs of people with disabilities in Islam.
• Raise awareness and challenge stereotypes and prejudices about people with disabilities in your family and society.
• Support initiatives and policies that promote inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities in religious and public spaces.

Eid ul Adha is a time to celebrate God Almighty’s mercy and generosity, as well as our own faith and devotion. It is also a time to reflect on our responsibilities and obligations towards our fellow human beings, especially those who are marginalised and oppressed. By making a difference for people with disabilities, we can show our gratitude to God and follow the example of Prophet Ibrahim.

Eid and Maple Services share some common values, such as compassion, generosity, and respect for diversity. By celebrating Eid and supporting Maple Community Services, you can help make a positive difference in your community and the world. Maple’s vision is to create an inclusive society where everyone is valued and respected.

If you want to learn more and want to be supported while being empowered with your CALD background, visit us today or give us a call, we’ll support you with the best possible quality services.

Eid Mubarak!