Muslims around the world are observing Eid al-Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, the second major festival in Islam. In Lebanon, however, war and displacement have overshadowed celebrations, as Israeli attacks continue to inflict death and destruction on the beleaguered country.
Prime Minister's Message
The Lebanese prime minister, Nawaf Salam, said Eid has come as Lebanon “is still enduring the most difficult circumstances, of war, destruction, and tragedies”. In a post on X, he added: “Yet Eid remains an occasion to hold fast to hope and confidence in our ability to achieve our goal of building a strong and just state to raise Lebanon up.”
Scenes of Mourning and Resilience
At the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque in Beirut, worshippers gathered for prayers, including a child looking on as the congregation marked the occasion. Meanwhile, in the southern suburbs of Beirut, a woman visited the graves of her loved ones on Eid al-Adha, a poignant reminder of the human cost of the conflict. Others gathered at the mosque to attend prayers, seeking solace in faith amid the turmoil.
The festival, which typically involves the sacrifice of livestock and distribution of meat to the needy, has been muted this year as many families grapple with loss and displacement. The ongoing violence has deepened the humanitarian crisis, with thousands forced to flee their homes and seek shelter in safer areas.
