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Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," is an important Islamic holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide, including the Muslim community in Serbia. The festival commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God's command. However, before he could carry out the act, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead.
In Serbia, where Islam is one of the officially recognized religions, the history of Eid al-Adha is tied to the Ottoman Empire's presence in the Balkans. The traditions have been preserved among Muslim communities for centuries.
On this day, Muslims in Serbia start with a special morning prayer called Salat al-Eid which is performed in congregation at local mosques. After the prayers, it is customary for Muslims to slaughter an animal - usually a sheep, goat, cow or camel - in an act known as Qurbani. This act symbolizes Ibrahim's sacrifice and serves as a reminder of obedience and devotion to God.
The meat from the sacrificed animal is then divided into three portions: one part for the family, one part for friends and relatives, and one part for the poor and needy. This distribution signifies charity and community spirit which are key aspects of Eid al-Adha.
While Serbia has a predominantly Christian Orthodox population, it boasts cultural diversity and religious freedom that allows its Muslim community to observe their traditions openly. Public celebrations may be more subdued compared to Muslim-majority countries but families gather for communal meals featuring traditional dishes such as Burek or Baklava.
Throughout the day, people exchange greetings such as "Bajram Serif Mubarek Olsun," which means "May your Bayram be blessed." It’s also common for people to visit cemeteries to pay respects to departed family members during this time.
The first day of Eid al-Adha provides an opportunity for Serbian Muslims to celebrate their faith while fostering a sense of unity within their communities through shared meals and acts of charity.
