- Title: INDONESIA: Millions of Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha, praying for peace
- Date: 26th October 2012
- Summary: PEOPLE WATCHING
- Embargoed: 10th November 2012 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Indonesia
- Country: Indonesia
- Topics: Politics,Religion
- Reuters ID: LVAAMIO8PO3U9F4M7X5CB0ZKXYGG
- Story Text: Millions of Muslims across Indonesia celebrated on Friday (October 26) the holy day of sacrifice, Eid Al-Adha, with many praying for an end to conflict in the Middle East.
"I hope Muslims in Syria can stop the civil war, that's already suffered thousands of civilian casualties. Let's make peace in this Eid al- adha, the Holy day," said Ahmad Jais, who came to pray at Jakarta's Istiqlal Grand Mosque.
"As the most populous Muslim country, I hope Indonesia will take on the role to stop the conflict in Middle East," said Muhammad Rosihan, who was also attended prayers at the mosque.
Eid al-Adha is celebrated by Muslims around the world to commemorate the prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail, obeying God who, in the end, allowed him to sacrifice a sheep instead.
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono also visited Istiqlal, giving the mosque two cows to sacrifice as gifts from him and his family.
The commemoration is one of the most important holidays in the Muslim calendar as it symbolises obedience and loyalty to God.
Mosques around the country receive offerings of sacrificial animals from charity organisations or generous individuals.
Indonesia is home to 235 million people and more than 85 percent of its population is Muslim. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
- Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2012. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
- Usage Terms/Restrictions: Video restrictions: parts of this video may require additional clearances. Please see ‘Business Notes’ for more information.