The local Muslim community gathered this morning at the Jack Byrne Arena to mark Eid-ul-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice.

Eid-ul-Adha coincides with the Hajj a pilgrimage to Mecca that all Muslims, who have the opportunity to do so, are expected to perform at least once in their lifetime.

The President of the Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, Dr. Mansoor Pirzada, has had the privilege of performing the Hajj twice which he describes as an amazing experience.

The first time he was alone because he was working in Saudi Arabia at the time and had the opportunity to go; the second time he and his wife traveled from Newfoundland to Saudi Arabia, and he says they enjoyed it on every level.

Pirzada says COVID has had a dramatic impact on people’s ability to take part in the Hajj. Normally, some 3-million people perform the Hajj each year, but over the last year or so it’s been very different.

He says certain restrictions have been put in place during COVID that limits the number of people who are able to participate.

Meanwhile, NL Eats is providing 150 meals to newcomer Muslim immigrants in celebration of Eid-ul-Adha.

NL Eats is partnering with Curry Delight to deliver cooked meals to people in the St. John’s area. The recipient list includes new residents who are celebrating their first Eid in the capital city region.