Mogadishu gathers on Eid with prayers, family meals and travel | Religious Matters

Mogadishu, Somalia Muslims around the world celebrated Eid al-Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice, which marks the end of the Hajj period.

It is the second major holiday in the Islamic calendar after Eid al-Fitr, which follows the holy month of Ramadan.

In Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, families and communities gathered across the city on Wednesday to celebrate the occasion.

The holiday is usually marked by morning community prayers, family outings, dinners and children’s outings.

Popular places for residents of the city include Lido Beach, Darus Salam Zoo, and Maka al-Mukarama Road, the central business district.

Furthermore, Mogadishu has been slowly emerging from the violence that has rocked the city for decades.

Since 2006, the government has been fighting al-Shabab, an affiliate of Al-Qaeda, for control of the country – a conflict that has made Mogadishu one of the most dangerous cities in the world.

But the security measures have led to an economic boom in the city, including the emergence of new restaurants, bars and other entertainment venues.

In an Eid speech at the Islamic Solidarity Mosque, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said, “We are seeing improvements in the security of Mogadishu,” and called on people to protect the city’s peace. The Ali Jimale Mosque, the largest in the country, often attracts large crowds and serves as a gathering place for the city’s residents.

Between Eid al-Adha and the tradition of animal sacrifice, the memory of Prophet Ibrahim willing to sacrifice his son in front of God to give a sheep in his place.

The animal is often distributed to relatives, neighbors and the needy, which shows that the festival emphasizes charity, humanity and sacrifice.

Livestock prices have soared in recent months in Somalia due to persistent rains and drought, with the United Nations hunger watchdog warning of famine in some parts of the country.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification says 6.5 million people in Somalia face “severe food insecurity”, a problem exacerbated by the country’s ongoing fighting and political instability that has continued since the president’s term ended on May 15.