Eid Al-Adha in Jeddah

Early morning I was awake while waiting for fajr prayer call around 5 am. I did not want to fall asleep, because that day my family and I intended to carry out Eid al-Adha prayer at a ground near our house. Eid prayers are usually held in Jeddah before 7 am, since they are generally after fajr prayer in the mosque will directly go to a field for Eid.

I heard the voice of imam from nearest mosque recited Al-Fatihah, as well as a short letter leaded fajr prayer. In Saudi, sound from mosque is not only a call to prayer, but also sound of imam leading prayer and caught from houses around it, all prayers, five times a day.

After fajr prayer, I heard an imam recited Takbeer  Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar La ilaha ilallahu … Allahu akbar .. Allahu akbar wa lillaa ilhamdu … Just a warning only one time.

I woke my husband and kids to get ready. Although I was doubt if there were women who participated in congregation in the near field, but the kids and I still prepared, showered, changed clothes, breakfast (for the kids). I chose to fast before Eid Al-Adha prayer as guided by Prophet Muhammad pbuh.

At 6:15 am our family walked towards the field. I saw the field was lined with Saudi patterned fabric decorations of red, yellow, white, blue and was equipped with a tent and benches inside. We performed prayer in the open field shaded by the sky. Alhamdulillah there was a woman’s prayer in a separate place. In front of men’s entrance greeted with kohwah (Arabic coffee) and dates provided on white covered tables. While in woman place there were no kohwah nor dates, only empty table lol …

Waiting for Eid prayer
Waiting for Eid prayer

When we arrived, the red carpets held were filled with worshipers both women and children. A female officer asked us to fill in the empty shaf at front. I saw some women stepped on the prayer carpets with their shoes and sandals… while my kids and I took off our footwear as the carpet would be the place for us to bow down. Luckily we brought 2 pieces of mat enough for four of us, so we could sujud  on our own sajadah. For fifteen minutes, the priest reciting Takbeer followed by pilgrims, then Eid prayer began.

After Eid prayer finished, we listened to a lecture in Arabic. Too bad there was no English translation, so we did not understand what was being said. In addition, many women pilgrims immediately moved from their seats…went home. Although we did not fully understand

Going home
Going home

the sermon, but we still sat and waited until the lecture was complete.

A little girl carried a basket containing chocolate or dates to be offered to women worshipers after the prayer ended. Subhanallah, every Eid prayers there are always some children who share chocolate / dates / pastries.

Returning home, we celebrated Eid with family at home making barbecue satay with peanut and soy sauce. Although it was a simple dish but we enjoyed our time together on Eid Al Adha holiday. Alhamdulillah.

Celebrating Eid with Satay
Celebrating Eid with Satay
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