CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Muslims from multiple countries gathered at the Camp Leatherneck Town Hall in celebration of Eid al-Adha, Oct. 26.
Eid al-Adha, the second of the Eid holidays, is celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It marks the end of the Hajj for Muslims and remembers the obedience of the prophet Abraham.
The Hajj, which is one of the five pillars of Islam, is a mandatory rite of worship every Muslim must fulfill. If they are physically and financially able, they must make the pilgrimage to Mecca, the Muslim holy city, once in their life.
“This shows obedience for our God and our prophet Mohammad,” said Jordanian Army 2nd Lt. Nabeel Khatabeh, the Imam for the service. “It’s about closeness with our God.”
Imam is an Islamic leadership position, similar in responsibilities to a chaplain.
The service opened with different types of prayers and calls for worship, followed by a sermon from Khatabeh. Afterward, they greeted one another with hugs and the traditional holiday saying, “Eid Mubarak,” meaning blessed.
One Jordanian officer shook the hand of a Marine helping at the service and gave him the greeting adding that he was welcome to celebrate with them.
“We had more than700 Muslims attend,” said Khatabeh. “It is important for us to recognize our holidays. I am glad we were able to have this service here.”
The service lasted only an hour, but Muslims will continue to celebrate the holiday for the next few days.